NEWCASTLE STRIKER LEON Best has been called up to the Ireland squad after Shane Long’s absence was all-but-confirmed today.
Despite many critics calling for his inclusion, Best was initially left out of the squad for the upcoming Euro 2012 playoff games against Estonia.
Both Best and his manager Alan Pardew expressed surprise at Trapattoni’s decision to omit him from the initial squad, despite a series of fine performances in the Premier League, which have helped guide his club to third place in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, the BBC are reporting that, in addition to Long, John O’Shea looks likely to miss out.
His manager Steve Bruce confirmed the player was unlikely to be fit for the game, saying:
“He’s certainly got no chance for Saturday and looking at the first game for Ireland next Friday, I would have thought he’s a huge doubt for that as well, which is a shame for the lad.”
The first leg of the playoff in Tallinn is on 11 November, with the return leg in Dublin taking place four days later.
