CALLED UP TO replace the injured Shane Long, Leon Best is now in danger of missing Ireland’s play-off games against Estonia.

The Newcastle striker has concerns over his toe and groin after limping out of his club’s Premier League clash with Everton on Saturday.

The player’s wife is also due to give birth in the coming days and Magpies boss Alan Pardew has confirmed that Giovanni Trapattoni is aware of the situation.

“Leon’s wife is imminent and they are in discussions,” he told newspapers, including the Daily Mail. “He is desperate to play, don’t get me wrong.

“We have spoken to the manager and spoken to the medical team about maybe a bit of compassion in terms of him staying about (here) because she’s that close, so we will see.”

Robbie Keane looks likely to make the trip to Estonia having returned to action for LA Galaxy. Kevin Doyle is suspended for the first game though and with Long definitely ruled out, another call-up could be on the cards should Best not respond to treatment.

READ - Premier League news: City sully an otherwise perfect day for Ferguson

READ – The sporting tweets of the week