Republic of Ireland international Keith Andrews looks to be facing a race against time to be fit for this month’s World Cup qualifiers against Sweden and Austria after suffering a new setback.

Bolton Wanderers’ midfielder Andrews is to see a specialist today about the Achilles problem that has sidelined him since the clash against Crystal Palace on January 19th.

Bolton boss Dougie Freedman said: “Keith is down to see a specialist on Monday so we will have to wait and see what happens on that one. The thigh problem he had is okay now but his Achilles is still little bit sore. He is a still a couple of weeks away (from playing) I think.”

That prognosis gives Andrews precious little time to prove his match fitness to Giovanni Trapattoni before the crunch games with Sweden and Austria.