James McClean and Enda Stevens will be included in Ireland’s 23-man squad this Friday despite carrying injuries.
McClean hasn’t played since February 12 when he damaged medial knee ligaments in Stoke’s defeat to Preston.
He was rehabbing in Dubai and Ireland boss Mick McCarthy claimed in Amsterdam last week that McClean was close to a return.
Today, Stoke boss Michael O’Neill suggested the Derryman may have to wait a little longer before he hits the training ground.
O’Neill said: “James is just going to be a little longer than we anticipated so we have to monitor that one.”
But McCarthy said this afternoon: “James has told me he is very close to a return.”
Left-back Stevens was forced off during Sheffield United’s narrow win over Norwich City on Saturday with tightness in his calf.
But McCarthy added: “They are both confident they will be fit for the play-off and that’s good to hear.”
