BURNLEY'S Stephen Ward is expected to shake off a minor knock in time to feature for the Republic of Ireland in Friday's European Championship qualifier against Scotland.

Ward played 90 minutes for the Clarets on Saturday as they registered their first Premier League win of the season with a 1-0 victory over Hull City.

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But the former Wolves man missed training with Martin O'Neill's side on Tuesday ahead of the clash at Celtic Park.

O'Neill, who was also without Everton's James McCarthy for the session, added that he expected the Burnley man to recover in time, The Irish boss said: "James had a problem on Sunday and he's come and over and we will have a look at it again and take it day by day really to see how he is. Steven Ward sat out today as well - it's more precautionary than anything else."

When asked if McCarthy would be fit, O'Neill replied: "I really wouldn't know at this minute."

Darwen-born midfielder Anthony Pilkington, now with Cardiff City, is also in the squad with the Irish camp also calling up David McGoldrick and Cyrus Christie.

McGoldrick has found the net five times for Ipswich this season while Derby County right back Christie has been in impressive form the Championship leaders.

O'Neill said: "He (Christie) is very strong. He likes to get forward and is a bit like Seamus Coleman in that regard, but I'm not sure anyone is like Seamus at this moment.

"But he gets forward, likes to take on players and his defensive work is improving."

The Irish are without Stoke's Glenn Whelan as well as his club colleague Marc Wilson while Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Keiren Westwood is also injured.