Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill is confident that several key players will overcome injury problems for Sunday’s EURO 2016 qualifier with Poland at the Aviva Stadium (7.45pm, live on RTÉ2).
James McCarthy, Darron Gibson and Stephen Ward were among the players to sit out training at Malahide this morning. The complete squad will assemble later today with Robbie Keane due to arrive after a match with LA Galaxy and new call-up Harry Arter and Jonathan Walters also due in.
O’Neill said McCarthy's omission is with respect to the amount of games the Everton contingent has played so far this month.
He said: “It's not surprising with James McCarthy. Everton have played four games in the last 10 or 11 days. Darron Gibson has a bit of a groin problem. He played yesterday for Everton.
"Stephen has had a little bit of difficulty. He has had an injury, he is coming back from that and I think he is getting looked at again this evening, obviously, with the club's permission as well. We might have to do something about that. He is hoping that in two or three days he'll be okay.”
Walters has been using a face mask due to a broken cheekbone and was a substitute for Stoke City in the Premier League at the week. O’Neill is confident he will be available for selection.
“Jon is pretty upbeat, he has a mask, he played for the last few minutes in the Stoke game and did well even to put himself forward for the game. I think he is feeling fine and he'll be in later on today.”
The big doubt in the build-up to the game is Hull City’s Robbie Brady, but he returned for a 10-minute spell against Chelsea yesterday and it looks like he should be ready for the qualifier.
The Ireland boss said: “He did some work there. He has come through that work today. While it wasn't long, it was pretty intense. For someone that has had a calf problem, he did fine. He feels fine at the moment.
"In terms of match fitness and the amount of football he has played, particularly in the last three or four weeks, that might present a problem. But overall he is a pretty fit lad.”
O’Neill also confirmed that Aiden McGeady is likely to be available after overcoming a knee problem.
