Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni is optimistic that Everton defender Shane Duffy could return to action in three or four months.
Duffy sustained serious internal injuries during a training game against an Ireland junior side at Gannon Park in Malahide on Friday night.
The Derry-born 18-year-old, who switched international allegiance from Northern Ireland earlier this year, underwent life-saving surgery at the Mater Hospital after rupturing the hepatic artery and losing more than three litres of blood.
Ireland boss Trapattoni said today: “I have just spoken with our doctors and he is conscious. We are optimistic and all the doctors are optimistic.
“They think in about three or four months, he can play. But it is important he is fit, he is conscious and he is not in danger as he was in the first two days.â€
