Republic dealt triple blow

Damien Duff, Keith Andrews and Keith Treacy are out of the squad for the 2012 qualifier against Armenia.

Trio forced to withdraw through injury

Damien Duff, Keith Andrews and Keith Treacy are out of Republic of Ireland's squad for the 2012 qualifier against Armenia. The trio were called up by Republic boss Giovanni Trapattoni for the forthcoming Group B opener but have been forced to pull out through injury. Blackburn midfielder Andrews has been suffering with a groin injury while Fulham's Duff has withdrawn because of a calf problem picked up during Saturday's 2-2 Premier League draw at Blackpool. 31-year-old winger Duff, who has 84 senior international caps, will be assessed by his club and could yet join up with the squad for the home clash with Andorra next Tuesday evening. Andrews, who played in the Republic's friendly defeat to Argentina earlier this month, is not expected to be fit in time for the second qualifier. Preston player Treacy was later also forced to withdraw from the Armenia game with a groin injury. Treacy has returned to his club to receive treatment but could come back into contention for the clash with Andorra. Kilbane could be pushed forward from left-back to play in Duff's position while Trapattoni is set to choose between Derby's Paul Green and Manchester United's Darron Gibson in midfield.