Steve Staunton is likely to be without John O’Shea for his first game in charge of the Republic of Ireland.

The versatile Manchester United defender has two fractured ribs and is facing six weeks on the sidelines.

Staunton’s Republic of Ireland host Sweden at Lansdowne Road on March 1st and O’Shea faces a fitness race to be available.

United officials believe the Waterford man suffered the initial injury against Burton Albion last week before aggravating it further during Sunday’s Premiership win over Liverpool.

O’Shea, who was playing in midfield, was below his best in that game and was substituted at half-time.  Scans yesterday subsequently revealed two fractured ribs.

"John has two fractured ribs and will be out for between four to six weeks," a club spokesperson confirmed.

The news is a blow to United manager Alex Ferguson who is already without injured midfielders Alan Smith, Paul Scholes, Park Ji-sung and the suspended Cristiano Ronaldo for the foreseeable future.