Duff ruled out of Republic game
Wednesday, 16 August
Lansdowne Road, Dublin
Kick-off: 1930 BST
Damien Duff is the latest withdrawal from the Republic of Ireland squad for Wednesday's friendly against Holland.
Manager Steve Staunton said that the Newcastle player was suffering from a \"tightness in his groin\".
Robbie Keane, Shay Given, Richard Dunne, Ian Harte, Terry Dixon, Stephen Ireland and Alan Lee have already pulled out of the Republic panel.
Blackburn's Steven Reid will captain the Republic for the first time with Keane and Given unavailable.
Newcastle player Alan O'Brien, in the squad for the first time, is also a doubt for the game after picking up a minor back injury in training.
Staunton now has just 18 fit players for the clash with the Dutch in the wake of Duff's departure.
With regard to Duff, Staunton confirmed: \"Damien's going back to Newcastle. It's precautionary.
\"It's not worth taking a chance, he knows that himself, especially with the game against Germany only two weeks away.\"
Paddy Kenny will replace Given in goal while John O'Shea will partner Andy O'Brien in central defence.
Given has a minor back injury but he should be fit for the opening European Championship qualifier against Germany on 2 September.
Stephen Carr may return at right-back after reversing his decision to quit international football.
With Keane out, Staunton will have to opt for a new attacking partnership with Kevin Doyle, Clinton Morrison and Stephen Elliott all in contention.
Netherlands coach Marco van Basten left out striker Ruud van Nistelrooy and midfielder Mark van Bommel from his squad for Wednesday's game.
\"We are now preparing for qualification for the European Championship in two years and we had to make choices,\" Van Basten said.
Van Basten's biggest worry will be in midfield, where the side lack the power of their major international European rivals.
\"I have to work with the available players and there are just not types like Frank Rijkaard walking around these days.\"
Central midfielder Wesley Sneijder pulled out of the squadon Monday as his wife is expected to give birth to their first child, with Vitesse Arnhem midfielder Theo Janssen taking his place in the 18-men squad.
Alkmaar youngster Stijn Schaars, captain of the Dutch under-21 team who won the European Championship last year, is likely to fill in the position of the retired Phillip Cocu.
Wing backs Khalid Boulahrouz and Giovanni van Bronckhorst are out of the squad as both are suspended for the first Euro 2008 qualifier.
