Republic of Ireland midfielder Liam Miller has been withdrawn from the squad for Saturday's World Cup play-off clash with France through injury.

The Hibernian man underwent a scan on his damaged calf last night and was today back at his club after the injury ruled him out of the first leg game at Croke Park.

Reading striker Shane Long did not join up with the squad because of a similar problem, but manager Giovanni Trapattoni will not call up any replacements.

The Italian conducted his latest training session at a windy Gannon Park in Malahide this morning with the rest of the players fit and well.

Reserve keeper Joe Murphy sat out the last few minutes of the session but assistant manager Marco Tardelli played down the problem.