Despite pulling out of the Republic of Ireland squad for the fifth time, Anthony Pilkington retains the faith of manager Giovanni Trapattoni.

The Italian was speaking in Newport today for the first time since the Norwich City winger withdrew with a knee injury ahead of the international friendly with Wales in Cardiff on Wednesday.

He has since spoken to Pilkington and has advised him to take care of the injury because he might be needed for the World Cup qualifiers against Sweden and Austria next month.

“It’s a pity because it would have been a chance for us to see him,” admitted Trapattoni this evening. “But I told him to be careful, because if he continues to play with injections it can be dangerous for his future.

“So I told him to be careful, we have qualifiers in September.”

Asked why he did not ask Pilkington to turn up at the training camp to be evaluated by the Irish team doctor, Trapattoni added: “We have a good relationship between our doctor and the doctors and physios at the club. I have confidence in the doctors and respect the fact that the clubs pay the players.

“I told him to stay and rest and be careful.”

Sixteen Irish players trained today and seven were expected this evening or tomorrow.

Wigan Athletic's James McCarthy and James McClean were involved in the 2-0 Community Shield defeat to Manchester United at Wembley this afternoon, and were due to arrive this evening with Jonathan Walters, Séamus Coleman and Paul Green.

Stephen Kelly and Darren O'Dea are due in tomorrow.