Leon Best pulls out of Ireland

Newcastle United striker Leon Best has withdrawn from the Republic of Ireland squad to face Estonia in the Euro 2012 play-off.

The 25-year-old was already a doubt for the national squad after suffering groin and toe injuries.

However, it appears that the reason behind Best's omission is the imminent birth of his child.

The frontman is the third player to pull out of the Ireland squad, following West Bromwich Albion's Shane Long and Portsmouth winger Liam Lawrence.