The worst fears of Irish fans have been confirmed as Shane Long has been ruled of the Euro 2012 play-offs with Estonia next month.
The livewire forward suffered a chipped bone and bruising on his knee after a horror challenge from the detestable Alan Hutton in West Brom’s victory over Aston Villa at the weekend and has been ruled out for six weeks as a result.
Initial enthusiasm from Irish supporters about drawing Estonia for the play-offs has now turned to deep concern about the prospect of not qualifying for next summer’s tournament as our striking options dwindle by the day.
Kevin Doyle is suspended for the first leg in Tallinn, while Robbie Keane is currently battling to overcome an adductor injury in an effort to be fit for Ireland’s most important games in two years.
Although Keane may yet be fit, Jonathan Walters, Simon Cox and dare we say it, Andy Keogh, are the only fully-fit options for the away leg, while Doyle will return for the return fixture at the Aviva Stadium, providing he avoids injury between now and then. Touch wood.
In light of the striking crisis, Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni may have to put in a marathon DVD session to weigh up potential alternatives, with the likes of Leon Best, Anthony Stokes and Conor Sammon leading the queue as potential replacements.
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