SEAMUS COLEMAN HAS dropped out of the Ireland squad in another blow to Giovanni Trapattoni’s plans.

The FAI have confirmed that the Everton wing back has been withdrawn due to injury (ankle). Leon Best was forced to return to Newcastle yesterday. The squad now stands at 25 players.

Earlier Damien Duff trained with the Ireland squad at Gannon Park. The Fulham winger sat out the first two days of preparations for Saturday night’s crunch Euro 2012 qualifier against Macedonia.

The Dubliner has been nursing an achilles injury but was able to join his team-mates at Malahide today.

Defenders Sean St Ledger and the now withdrawn Coleman sat out the session again with knee and ankle injuries respectively.

Duff’s inclusion represents a major boost for Giovanni Trapattoni in what has been a mixed week of injury news. Leon Best returned to Newcastle yesterday as he picked up an ankle injury.

Skipper Robbie Keane and the talismanic Richard Dunne look set to be fit however, despite earlier concerns.

For those looking at hints as to Saturday’s starting side, the team that trained today saw Kieran Westwood in goal and a back four of Kevin Foley, Richard Dunne, Darren O’Dea and Kevin Kilbane.

Glenn Whelan and Darron Gibson played in central midfield, with Duff and Aiden McGeady on the wings. Wolves striker Kevin Doyle and Robbie Keane played up front.

Irish injury concerns ease ahead of Macedonia clash>