Steve McClaren does not want goalkeeper Robert Elliot to be called up for the Republic of Ireland national team.

Republic of Ireland will be squaring off against Bosnia & Herzegovina in the 2016 European Championship playoffs over the next fortnight and it goes without saying that the clash is a very important one.

Ireland will be without goalkeeper Shay Given due to injury and it is believed that manager Martin O'Neill could call up Newcastle United star Elliot for the round of fixtures.

However, Newcastle boss McClaren does not want Elliot to be called up by the Republic of Ireland due to the fact that the 28-year old has only recently returned from a thigh injury.

McClaren said: “I hope not and I don't think so. We'll wrap him in cotton wool and try to get him out there for the next game."