Aiden McGeady will definitely not play any part for Ireland in their World Cup qualifier against Italy on Wednesday night.
The Celtic winger, who had a relatively poor game in Saturday evening's 1-1 draw against Bulgaria, took a limited part in training on Tuesday evening with his team-mates in Bari.
But the winger, who picked up a knock to the knee during Saturday's game, was subsequently given a fitness test which proved his inability to start the match.
Ireland are already minus Damien Duff, their other main starting winger. He missed Saturday's game due to hamstring injury and remains sidelined.
Ireland are still in a favourable position in Group Eight - two points behind Italy in second place - but their three toughest games have yet to be played.
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