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James McClean passed fit for Republic of Ireland as Eunan O'Kane returns to Leeds with groin strain

Ireland's midfielder James McClean reacts during the Euro 2016 group E football match between Italy and Ireland at the Pierre-Mauroy stadium in Villeneuve-
Image: James McClean has been passed fit to play against Austria on Saturday

James McClean has been passed fit for Republic of Ireland ahead of their World Cup qualifier in Austria on Saturday.

The 27-year-old West Brom midfielder had been struggling with a back problem and trained alone on Wednesday.

But he took part in training with the rest of the first-team squad on Thursday along with John O'Shea, and both players came through unscathed.

Republic of Ireland's James McClean celebrates
Image: McClean has scored seven goals in 46 caps of Republic of Ireland

Midfielder Eunan O'Kane, however, has returned to Leeds United because of an ongoing groin problem.

McClean has been in excellent form for West Brom this season and recently said he has no issue with being booed "wherever I go" after refusing to wear a poppy for his club for Armistice Day.

"They can boo, they can chant, they can scream this and that, but at the end of the day, they can't affect what I do on the pitch. It's noise from the stands," he said.

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He and O'Shea, who had been struggling with hamstring problems, will be part of a 27-man travelling party to Austria, with Republic of Ireland second in qualifying Group D on goal difference.

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