Ireland have serious selection problems for the US Cup. Mick McCarthy's players are dropping like flies with Fulham's Steve Finnan the latest to pull out of his squad - but spare a thought for the Mexicans. They will go into the competition with a club team rather than their international side.

The have begged the tournament organisers to postpone the Cup until the end of June because their championship is still on. But their request fell on deaf ears so they will not be able to field a strong team.

Mexican legend Hugo Sanchez will bring his Pumas side, who are out of League contention, with a few guest players from other clubs. And Sanchez is even rumoured to be managing the side in place of national coach Manuel Lapuente.

"We rejected a request from Mexico to defer the tournament. When they accepted the invitation to play in the US Cup, they were aware of the dates. The games go ahead as scheduled," said a USSF spokesperson.

Even though Ireland will field a weaker team than usual against the Mexicans on Sunday with Mexico's bigger problems the Irish are a great bet at 13/8 to win the game.

Bear in mind, though, that Mexico remain unbeaten against Ireland at senior level.