Injured Doyle adds to Trapattoni’s troubles as Bale returns for Wales

It had been expected Doyle would feature in tonight’s friendly against Croatia at the Aviva Stadium after the Wolves striker received his first Ireland call-up since sustaining knee ligament damage in March.

But Republic boss Trapattoni said the 27-year-old was “not 100 per cent fit”, confirming Doyle would play no part against the Croats and instead return to his club.

Several other players had already withdrawn from the squad before Doyle, with Jon Walters, Marc Wilson, James McCarthy, Seamus Coleman and Damien Delaney among the most recent, and Trapattoni believes footballers are not being allowed enough time to recover their strength over the summer months.

“I had fears before the end of last season,” the Italian said.

“I didn’t want to bring myself bad luck, but I thought they were starting very early with the season. Footballers are not iron men – they need to recover. The break is very short – it is not enough.”

Gareth Bale is set to make his first appearance for Wales in 10 months against Australia at the Cardiff City Stadium tonight.

The Tottenham winger has not featured under current manager Gary Speed after injuries ruled him out of the entire Carling Nations Cup campaign and the Euro 2012 defeat to England.

Manchester City striker Craig Bellamy is expected to be handed a starting role, but Sheffield United striker Ched Evans misses out.

Evans was last week charged with rape – a charge he strenuously denies – but Speed insisted off-field matters have had no impact upon his decision.

He added: “Ched will play no part (tonight), but that does not relate to anything else.

“He is carrying a bit of an ankle knock and that is the reason.”

Liverpool’s Danny Wilson and Leeds United’s Robert Snodgrass are in Scotland’s side for tonight’s friendly against Denmark.