DUBLIN (AFP) - The Republic of Ireland will be without injured duo Stephen Carr and Jonathan Douglas for Wednesday´s Euro 2008 qualifier in San Marino.

Newcastle right-back Carr sustained a thigh injury in training, while Leeds midfielder Douglas has a hamstring problem.

Republic manager Steve Staunton has called up Luton´s Kevin Foley as cover for Carr, giving him a squad of 22 for the game at the Serravalle Stadium.

Ireland are lying fifth in Group D on four points after four games, six adrift of leaders Germany.

"Unfortunately Stephen pulled a thigh muscle, so he is to return to Newcastle, while Jonathan has a hamstring problem," confirmed Staunton on Monday.

"It seems as if the (injury) curse is with us again. We´ve another batch of injuries. There´s nothing we can do about it, so it´s a great opportunity for the younger element to show us what they can do."

Staunton has named seven uncapped players in his squad, and with striker Kevin Doyle (hamstring) and Stephen Elliott (ankle) also out, it appears either Anthony Stokes, Shane Long or Andy Keogh will be handed a debut.

Staunton, though, refused to rule out using winger Damien Duff as partner to captain Robbie Keane in attack.

"They´re all looking sharp, but don´t forget Damien has played up there as well, so you never know," added Staunton.

Centre-backs Richard Dunne and Paul McShane both picked up knocks over the weekend, however, Staunton fully expects them to be fit.

Stephen Ireland joined up with the party late due to what Staunton described as a family illness.

No matter who plays, Staunton is expecting another comfortable win following the 5-0 success the Republic enjoyed over San Marino last November.

"We have to win every game. It´s as simple as that. Every Irish team has to go into the game playing at a high tempo, although we do have to be patient with our passing.

"But we need to keep up that high tempo for as long as possible because our fitness levels should be better than theirs. With the quality we have, that should see us through and we should have enough to win the game, and that´s all I´m concerned about."