NEWCASTLE UNITED GOALKEEPER Rob Elliot has been drafted into the Republic of Ireland squad that will take on Poland in Warsaw in Sunday evening’s final Euro 2016 qualifier.
Elliot has been called up to replace Shay Given, who sustained a knee injury during last night’s historic 1-0 win over Germany at the Aviva Stadium. Given has returned to his club, Stoke City, for further assessment so he won’t make the trip to Poland.
News of Given’s absence will be cushioned by the assured performance of his replacement last night, Darren Randolph, as well as a positive update regarding Seamus Coleman and Marc Wilson.
Both Coleman and Wilson missed last night’s game against the world champions because of injuries, but according to a press release issued this afternoon by the FAI, the defensive duo are available for selection this weekend.
Robbie Brady and Stephen Ward picked up knocks against the Germans but the FAI say there are no other injury concerns to report.
After last night’s heroic performance, manager Martin O’Neill cancelled this morning’s training session at the FAI National Training Centre as the players begin to recharge their batteries ahead of Sunday’s massive game, in which a place at next summer’s European Championships in France will be at stake.
