Cunningham injury scare

Kenny Cunningham handed Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy a late World Cup injury scare today as Germany lost the services of Hertha Berlin midfielder Sebastian Deisler.

Deisler is definitely out of the Group E games against the Irish, Saudi Arabia and Cameroon after suffering a knee injury in Saturday's warm-up win against Austria.

McCarthy acknowledged that Deisler will be a loss to the Germans but his own concerns centred on Cunningham.

The Wimbledon defender picked up a hamstring injury as Ireland stepped up their training in Saipan.

"Kenny is a concern, but probably only a slight one," said McCarthy. "I don't think there is anything to fret about as regards the World Cup. He is a very good player, someone I've known since our time together at Millwall, and I want him fit for the finals."