Séamus Coleman looks increasingly likely to miss Ireland’s game against Poland on Wednesday week, leaving Giovanni Trapattoni with limited defensive options as he tries to prepare his side for the crucial World Cup qualifiers against Sweden and Austria in March.
Despite Coleman having undergone a scan in order to gauge the seriousness of the groin strain that forced him out of Monday’s Premier League game at Southampton with less than an hour played, Everton have only confirmed so far the Irishman will play no part in today’s FA Cup tie against Bolton. The FAI, however, are pessimistic about the player’s availability for the friendly clash.
More serious
Shane Long should return to action for West Brom against Everton next Wednesday but the striker says the injury that has sidelined him for the past couple of weeks could have been far more serious.
“I had a dead leg and it turned out to be a haematoma, which can lead to hospitalisation,” said the ex-Reading player. “Fortunately, we got on top of it when we did as it’s the sort of thing that can last for a week or it can last for six.
“When the doc saw the lump he was concerned and when I came out of the shower he took another look. I think some players have had to have the haematoma cut out. I got back into training on Wednesday and it felt good but it was a little stiff because I haven’t trained for a few days. I’m targeting Everton next week.”
Noel King has announced his Republic of Ireland Under-21 squad for the friendly international against the Netherlands in Tallaght, also on Wednesday week. Carl McHugh, who this week was part of the Bradford City side that booked their place in the League Cup final, is amongst those called up as King weighs up his options ahead of a European Championship qualification campaign that is likely to get under way in March.
Ireland will be fourth seeds when the draw for the group stages is made next Thursday.
Former under-21 international Brendan Moloney has completed his move from Notts Forest to Bristol City and will be available for today’s game against Ipswich.
U-21 Squad: Aaron McCarey (Wolves), Sean McDermott (Sandnes), Shane Duffy (Everton), Seán McGinty (Manchester United), Anthony O’Connor (Burton Albion – on loan from Blackburn Rovers), Derrick Williams (Aston Villa), Mark O’Brien (Derby County), Matt Doherty (Wolves), Joe Shaughnessy (Aberdeen), Carl McHugh (Bradford City), Cian Bolger (Leicester City), Callum Reilly (Birmingham City), John O’Sullivan (Blackburn Rovers), Kane Ferdinand (Peterborough United), Samir Carruthers (Aston Villa), Frankie Sutherland (Portsmouth – on loan from QPR), Chris Forrester (St Patrick’s Athletic), Anthony Forde (Wolves), Seán Murray (Watford), Aiden O’Brien (Millwall), Connor Smith (Watford).
