Southampton midfielder Rory Delap, pictured, has become the third player to withdraw from the Republic of Ireland squad for tomorrow's European Championship qualifier against Switzerland.

The 26-year-old has suffered a calf injury and left Dublin yesterday to return to England.

Republic manager Mick McCarthy is now down to 19 players from his original squad of 22, having already lost ex-Saint Jeff Kenna and Andy O'Brien.

McCarthy said he would consider bringing somebody in from the Under-21s, who face Switzerland tonight.

The withdrawal of Delap leaves McCarthy short of cover on the right side of midfield, although he does have Gary Kelly, Colin Healy and Lee Carsley available.

Three players did not train yesterday.

Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given has an ankle knock, Sunderland's Phil Babb has a sore throat and Matt Holland of Ipswich has a few bumps and bruises, but McCarthy expects all three to be fit and available tomorrow.

l Saints defender Chris Baird has been drafted in as cover to the Northern Ireland squad for tomorrow's Euro 2004 qualifier against Ukraine tomorrow after Leicester's Gerry Taggart withdrew through injury.

Taggart is returning to his club for treatment on a hamstring injury picked up in the 3-0 defeat by Spain on Saturday.

With Mark Williams, Peter Kennedy and Danny Griffin already ruled out, manager Sammy McIlroy is short of options at the back.

McIlroy said: "Losing Gerry is a huge blow and to have another withdrawal is unbelievable."