People were questioning Ireland manager Mick McCarthy's decision not to pick Stephen McPhail for the two upcoming World Cup qualifiers - but if they had bothered asking the player himself they would have found out that he is struggling badly with injury.

McPhail flew out to Germany on Monday to see a specialist who was recommended by Leeds physio David Hancock. His problem is his Achilles tendon and after many tests he was given an injection and returned to Yorkshire.

He will go back to Germany next week for another injection and it is hoped that that, along with a two-week break, will cure him.

McPhail, who was so important in Leeds United's season last year, has only played a bit part so far in this campaign. He has had the injury since the beginning of the Premiership and he does not seem to be shaking it off.

"I'm well away from what I should be," Stephen said after Leeds' 4-3 victory over Spurs at Elland Road. "I'm going to see a specialist in Germany and hopefully it will be sorted out in the next two weeks.

"It's really annoying me at the moment and interrupting my training because it gets very sore. I just hope it clears up once and for all otherwise I may have to look at it again."

Leeds have 17 competitive games before Christmas - and McPhail will be seeking to force his way back into the Republic of Ireland team when they face Finland in a friendly at Lansdowne Road on November 15.

"We've just got to knuckle down and get on with the job in the league and if we win our game in hand that will put us right up there," added Stephen. "The league is the most important - the Champions League is just a bonus."