The Republic of Ireland squad has arrived in Turkey for the second leg of their Euro 2000 play-off. Goalkeeper Alan Kelly did not travel after he picked up a groin injury in last night's 1-1 draw at Lansdowne Road. His brother Gary, has been called up as understudy to Dean Kiely – the only other goalkeeper in the squad. Kiely had a busy time after coming on last night, but unfortunately couldn’t stop the well-struck penalty of Tayfur, who equalised for the Turks.
Robbie Keane is also out of Wednesday's clash after being booked last night, and if Niall Quinn fails to recover from the neck injury that kept him out last night, Mick McCarthy will probably play the ageing Tony Cascarino alongside the youth of David Connolly.
Mick McCarthy's players were disappointed, but still up beat about our qualification chances. They flew into Istanbul and are now making their way to Bursa. Thankfully the hostile welcome expected in Turkey has not materialised as yet.
