Aston Villa defender Clark called up as Republic of Ireland's injury woe continues

Oct 8, 2012 4:15:00 PM

After losing three of his squad to knocks, Giovanni Trapattoni has called for '100 per cent' commitment from his players against Germany and the Faroe Islands

Aston Villa defender Ciaran Clark has been called up by the Republic of Ireland to face Germany and the Faroe Islands in World Cup 2014 qualification.

Clark is able to play in midfield and defence, and with Sean St Ledger and Glenn Whelan also ruled out of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, his versatility could be useful.

Winger James McClean will also remain with his club, Sunderland, after picking up a hip injury in the Black Cats' defeat to Manchester City on Saturday.

'The results of James McClean’s scan this morning in Sunderland showed a grade one hip flexor strain which will certainly rule him out for the Germany match and may exclude him for the Faroe Islands,' an FAI statement revealed.

'McClean will remain at his club to receive treatment.'

With their next match against a strong Germany side looming, Trapattoni has called for commitment and enthusiasm from all of his players.

The Boys in Green required a last-minute goal from Kevin Doyle to beat Kazakhstan in their last competitive fixture, and coach Giovanni Trapattoni has called for similar levels of commitment against die Nationalelf.

"Germany are a strong team. We know about their qualities and offensive potential," he told reporters.

"They are one of the strongest in Europe and the world. We will try to play well against them, we don’t need excuses.

"I spoke to the players about their enthusiasm levels. Like any manager, I am looking for players to commit 100 per cent, as with Doyle last time, when he came off the bench to score a goal."

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