Trio drop out of Republic of Ireland squad

Republic of Ireland boss Martin O'Neill has seen three players drop out of his squad for the World Cup playoff with Denmark.

The Green Army face the Scandinavian nation for a place at next year's tournament in Russia, but a trio of players will not feature in either Copenhagen or Dublin due to injury.

Everton midfielder James McCarthy continues to recover from a hamstring injury which has restricted the 26-year-old to just one appearance all season, while Preston North End forward Sean Maguire is also absent with a hamstring problem.

Centre-back Richard Keogh has been sidelined with a groin injury, with the experienced defender sustaining the issue in the defeat to Reading on Saturday.

Republic of Ireland play the first leg in Denmark on Saturday, November 11, with the reverse fixture being staged at the Aviva Stadium three days later.