Football

Keith O'Neill, the Norwich City striker, has withdrawn from the Republic of Ireland squad for Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Lithuania in Dublin with a back injury. The Republic have also lost the Bolton goalkeeper Keith Branagan, and have called up Oldham's Gary Kelly. Newcastle's Jim Crawford and Chris Byrne, Sunderland's new signing from Macclesfield, will train with the squad this week.

The Republic of Ireland Under-21 squad, who face Lithuania in a European Under-21 Championship qualifier at Dublin's Dalymount Park tomorrow, have lost the Tottenham wing-back Stephen Carr with a heel injury and the Huddersfield goalkeeper Derek O'Connor with a damaged elbow. Bohemians' goalkeeper Michael Dempsey and Middlesbrough's defender Michael Cummins have been called up as replacements.

Wales have lost the the Blackburn forward James Thomas from their squad for tomorrow's European Under-21 Championship qualifier against Turkey in Istanbul. Norwich City's Chris Llewellyn has been called up as a replacement.

The Southampton striker Egil Ostenstad has been forced to pull out of the Norwegian squad for Wednesday's World Cup qualifier in Finland after suffering an ankle injury.

Wolves are to offer the former Wimbledon goalkeeper Hans Segers a one- year contract, following his clearance on match fixing allegations at Winchester Crown Court last week. The Dutchman played for Wolves reserves early last season.