MIDFIELDER Gareth Farrelly is in Tehran with the Republic of Ireland squad but is unlikely to figure in the starting line-up for Thursday afternoon's World Cup play-off decider against Iran.

Republic boss Mick McCarthy has hinted that Charlton's Mark Kinsella will take over from injured skipper Roy Keane, who aggravated a knee problem in Saturday's 2-0 first leg victory in Dublin.

Farrelly, who has forced his way back into the Reebok reckoning after early-season injury problems, is only due back in Bolton on Friday