Ireland dealt big injury blow ahead of Germany qualifier

IRELAND HAVE BEEN dealt a blow with the news that Seamus Coleman will miss tomorrow night’s crunch Euro 2016 qualifier against Germany.

Coleman, who has been racing to recover from a hamstring injury, did not train this morning and Martin O’Neill confirmed that the defender will sit out the Aviva Stadium clash.

But the Ireland boss is confident that Coleman will be ready in time for Sunday’s trip to Poland.

“Seamus had a day off because he has worked exceptionally hard for the last couple of days and done very well indeed,” O’Neill explained.

But he then confirmed Irish fans’ fears and said: “Seamus would not be playing in the (Germany) game.

“He was almost in contention a few times for Everton, so he’s getting better all the time.

“I think he will be absolutely and utterly fine for Sunday.”

O’Neill reported an otherwise clean bill of health with Wes Hoolahan (ankle), Cyrus Christie (hip) and Darron Gibson (foot) all training in Abbottstown.

With Coleman ruled out, Christie appears the most likely option to slot in on the right side of defence and O’Neill waved off concerns about his fitness.

“Obviously Cyrus wants to play. He’s very, very keen to do so.

“He’s fine. The physios have done a little bit of work on him and he feels much freer. He’s ready to go.”

Captain Robbie Keane is also available for selection after he flew in to join the squad following the birth of his second son earlier this week.

“I’m ready to go,” Keane said. “I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t.”

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