Meyler drafted into Republic squad

Sunderland midfielder David Meyler has been called into the Republic of Ireland squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Germany and the Faroe Islands.

The 23-year-old was drafted in as manager Giovanni Trapattoni awaited news of a scan on the thigh muscle Wolves striker Kevin Doyle suffered in training on Friday morning.

A spokesman for the Football Association of Ireland said: "David Meyler has been called up to Giovanni Trapattoni's squad to face Germany in Aviva Stadium on October 12 and the Faroe Islands in Torsvrllur Stadium, Torshavn on October 16."

The spokesman added: "David will join up with the squad in Dublin in time for training on Monday morning.

"In other news, Kevin Doyle picked up a thigh injury during training with Wolves this morning.

"The extent of the injury remains to be seen. Kevin is having a scan later this evening with results expected tomorrow."

Trapattoni's players are due to meet up at their Portmarnock base in time to start their preparations for the Germany game on Monday having opened their Group C campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 win in Kazakhstan last month.