Republic of Ireland boss Martin O’Neill has not given up on midfielder James McCarthy being available for Friday’s World Cup qualifier against Wales.
The Everton man has a chance of playing after taking part in training for a second successive day on Thursday.
Wales have Ben Davies available after injury ruled the Tottenham defender out of November’s draw with Serbia.
Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale and Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey are also fit having been sidelined.
The Republic will be without injured duo Daryl Murphy and Shane Duffy for their crucial World Cup qualifier against Wales.
Wes Hoolahan, Ciaran Clark and Harry Arter have withdrawn from the squad while Robbie Brady is suspended.
McCarthy has not played since 5 March because of a hamstring injury and was rated as extremely doubtful for the match at the Aviva Stadium.
He warmed up with the Irish squad in front of media at Abbotstown on Wednesday morning, and was able to continue for the closed part of the session.
Manager O’Neill and Everton boss Ronald Koeman have clashed on more than one occasion over the Republic’s use of McCarthy on his return from injury.
Seamus Coleman, Shane Long and Jonathan Hayes, who sat out Tuesday’s training, were all able to take a full part in Wednesday’s session.
Head-to-head
- Wales have not won against the Republic of Ireland in their past six games, with their most recent victory a 1-0 friendly win in February 1992.
- The Republic of Ireland have won five of the 13 meetings between the two sides, with Wales winning five and three draws.
- Only two matches between Wales and the Republic of Ireland have ended goalless.
Republic of Ireland
- Martin O’Neill has only lost eight of 35 games in charge of the Republic of Ireland.
- O’Neill’s side have scored 11 goals in their past five games in all competitions.
Wales
- Wales have not lost a qualifying match for a major international tournament since their 2-0 defeat by Bosnia and Herzegovina in October 2015.
- After comfortably beating Moldova in their first Group D World Cup qualifier, Wales have drawn their qualifying games against Austria, Georgia and Serbia.
Source: bbc.co.uk
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