Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Darren Potter's hopes of furthering his international ambitions have been hit by injury.

After missing Saturday's 0-0 draw with Stoke City due to a groin problem, Potter is now expected to pull out of the Republic of Ireland squad for Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier in Slovakia.

Potter has not yet reported for international duty as he has stayed at home to undergo intensive treatment. And, when Steve Staunton's Irish party fly out to Slovakia today, Potter is not expected to be on the plane.

Wolves have two other players in the Irish party, Andy Keogh and latest signing Kevin Foley, both of whom are looking to play at the Slovan Stadium on Saturday and also against the Czech Republic at the Sparta Prague Stadium next Wednesday night. But Liverpool-born Potter, who has started the last three games in central midfield for Ireland, is not expected to be fit for that one either.

Wolves also have two men on duty for Wales against Germany at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday night, Wayne Hennessey and Freddy Eastwood.

And Eastwood, who scored on his international debut in Bulgaria last month, was given a major confidence boost after yesterday being goals to turn round a 2-1 win against Blackpool.