Dunne pulls out of Republic squad

INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY
Rep of Ireland v Poland
Venue: Croke Park, Dublin Date: Wednesday, 19 November Kick-off: 2000 GMT Coverage: Live text commentary on BBC Sport website

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Given edges out Richard Dunne and Damien Duff for the captaincy

Manchester City defender Richard Dunne has pulled out of the Republic of Ireland squad to play Poland on Wednesday as his wife is in labour.

Newcastle keeper Shay Given will captain the team, which is defending a six-match unbeaten run under Giovanni Trapattoni, as Robbie Keane is injured.

Hull striker Caleb Folan is expected to replace Keane while Darron Gibson and Andy Keogh are both in line to start.

Aiden McGeady joined Keane in pulling out of the squad over the weekend.

Folan has risen rapidly to prominence since being promoted from the B squad last month.

He was introduced as a late substitute in the 1-0 victory over Cyprus and he has clearly made a favourable impression on Trapattoni.

Trapattoni said: "He is not only big, he has two good legs, and he understands that he has to help our midfield.

"He can hold the ball up to allow other players to get there. He is an intelligent player.

"He is important for his presence, but he understands he has to help the team immediately."

Earlier this week, Trapattoni drafted Noel Hunt and Kieren Westwood into his squad.

Upcapped Reading striker Hunt is the brother of his club-mate and Irish squad member Stephen Hunt.

Coventry goalkeeper Westwood was drafted into the squad on Monday following the withdrawal of Dean Kiely.

The uncapped 24-year-old was summoned after West Bromwich Albion veteran Kiely sprained a wrist in training.