SHANE LONG WILL miss Friday’s Euro 2016 play-off clash with Bosnia in Zenica after failing to recover from an ankle injury.
However, the Southampton striker may still be available for next Monday’s second-leg.
The 28-year-old had been a doubt ever since he was stretchered off during Ireland’s final qualifier against Poland last month. When he returned to his club, the recovery was estimated at being between two and four weeks, instantly putting him at risk of missing both games against the Bosnians.
Long has stayed in Southampton to receive more treatment on the injury in the hope that he could feature at the Aviva Stadium in five days.
Meanwhile, there were more injury problems for Martin O’Neill today.
Goalkeeper Kieren Westwood has returned to Sheffield Wednesday after an ankle injury flared up during Wednesday’s training session. Charlton Athletic’s Stephen Henderson has been brought in as a replacement.
There was some good news though. Brentford’s Alan Judge, who had been hampered by a hamstring problem, will join up with the squad this evening after rehabbing at his club in recent days.
Rob Elliot has already been ruled out while Wesley Hoolahan sat out part of today’s session too.
