NEW YORK – Ireland has dropped eight players from its roster for Tuesday night's exhibition game against world and European champion Spain at Yankee Stadium.
Six starters from last week's 3-0 win over the Faeroe Islands in a World Cup qualifier at Dublin were dropped.
The Irish FA said defenders John O'Shea (death of uncle) and Jonathan Walters (knee), and midfielders Wes Hoolahan (foot), Aiden McGeady (wedding), Glen Whelan (rest) and Marc Wilson (surgery) will miss the match.
Also missing the game will be goalkeeper Keiren Westwood (shoulder) and defender Richard Dunne (discussions on club future).
Four players who didn't dress Friday are on the 19-man roster: goalkeeper Aaron McCarey, defender Richard Keogh, midfielders James McCarthy and David Meyler.
Spain, which beat Ireland 4-0 at last year's European Championship, has a full-strength team ahead of the Confederations Cup in Brazil.
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