Whelan: Has a sore throat

The Stoke man was the latest to miss a session this week, although his condition is not a concern for manager Giovanni Trapattoni.

Goalkeeper Shay Given was in London today to see a knee specialist, while defenders Richard Dunne and Sean St Ledger continued to nurse their muscle injuries.

But John O'Shea and Kevin Foley were able to do some training on the pitch at Gannon Park as they stepped up their recoveries from ankle and hamstring problems respectively.

Paul McShane, who was called up as defensive cover for Saturday's friendly against Bosnia, worked with his team-mates for the first time.