Town loanee Darren O’Dea flew to Armenia with the rest of the Republic of Ireland squad this afternoon ahead of Friday’s Euro 2012 qualifier despite picking up a knee injury in training yesterday. Coach Giovanni Trapattoni says the on-loan Celtic man is in with a chance of being on the bench on Friday.
Trapattoni says he is hopeful on O’Dea, who suffered a knee sprain, and Aston Villa’s Richard Dunne: "I am optimistic. As a precaution, we left Richard and also Darren out of training, but I am optimistic because we have 48 hours. Richard, I am sure about, and also it possible Darren could be on the bench.”
In addition to Friday’s game in Yerevan, Ireland face Andorra at home next Tuesday. O’Dea, who has previously won two Irish caps, is one of six Town players away on international duty at present.