clarke withdraws from ireland squad for u.s friendlies
Ciaran Clarke has withdrawn from the Republic of Ireland squad for their two-game tour of the US. The Aston Villa defender hasn't flown-out with the rest of Martin O'Neill's squad because of a knee injury that he suffered during the warm-up before last Saturday's friendly against Italy at Craven Cottage. Jon Walters, who is suffering from a virus, also won't travel for the time being - but he could fly to the States after this weekend's match-up against Costa Rica, which would mean that he could be fit enough to face Portugal in New Jersey.
