McCarthy's ban is reprieved

The Republic of Ireland manager, Mick McCarthy, has been given a reprieve from a one-match touchline ban, which will allow him to take his place in the dugout for tonight's final US Cup match against Bolivia.

McCarthy will return to the Giants Stadium in New Jersey, where he was shown the red card during Wednesday's 2-2 draw with Mexico for throwing the ball into the crowd to deny the opposition a quick free-kick. But he will be without Liam Daish and Niall Quinn, who were also dismissed that night.

One player who will be in action, however, is Middlesbrough's Curtis Fleming. The full-back has waited a long time for international recognition, but in the last 10 weeks has accumulated seven senior caps.

With Jeff Kenna absent because of a hamstring injury, McCarthy's problems have not been helped by the fact that the Watford striker, David Connolly, is also banned after two bookings in the matches to date, so he has made six changes for tonight's game.

It will be the youngest Irish side in history with an average age of just 22. Back come goalkeeper Shay Given, defenders Kenny Cunningham and Terry Phelan and midfielders Liam O'Brien and Gareth Farrelly, with Alan Kernaghan captaining the side in the centre of the defence. Despite his sterling performance against Mexico, the veteran Celtic goalkeeper, Pat Bonner, must wait for his 80th cap.