Twenty eight players participated in this morning’s training session at the NTC in Abbotstown as the squad completed preparations for tomorrow evening’s friendly encounter with Northern Ireland in the Aviva Stadium. Matt Doherty has withdrawn from the squad following the head injury incurred with his club last weekend. Glenn Whelan will captain Ireland tomorrow night in his eighty fifth and probably final international appearance, although the Aston Villa midfielder has not formally retired and remains available should his country ever need him. Manager Martin O’Neill confirmed that teenage Southampton striker Michael Obafemi, who is also eligible to play for Nigeria and England, will be considered for action tomorrow night but will not be involved in the competitive match against Denmark on Monday evening.