SHANE DUFFY AND Enda Stevens will miss Ireland’s Euro 2024 qualifier with France later this month because of injury.
Ireland play Latvia in a friendly next Wednesday and then France the following Monday, a double-header for which Stephen Kenny names his squad later today.
Duffy was unlikely to make the cut given his lack of game-time at Fulham and the depth of options at centre-back, but a calf injury has now formally taken him out of consideration. Ireland still have plenty of options at centre-back, with Nathan Collins, John Egan, Dara O’Shea, and Seamus Coleman all certs to be included and the fit-again Andrew Omobamidele likely to return too.
Stevens, meanwhile, will miss out with a muscle injury, continuing a frustrated, injury-plagued spell. Stevens hasn’t played for Sheffield United since the second week of January, and has been restricted to just 22 appearances for club and country since the start of 2022.
His absence may hand Swansea’s Ryan Manning a chance to return to the squad, though Callum O’Dowda’s ability to play at left wing-back may see him edged out. Robbie Brady and James McClean are the frontrunners to play that role against France.
There is concern too about Adam Idah, who was forced out of Norwich’s 1-1 draw with Huddersfield last night. The luckless Idah missed all of Ireland’s games in 2022, and had been on course for a return to the squad. Kenny’s forward options are diminishing, with Callum Robinson and Aaron Connolly already out. Troy Parrott, who missed the November games with injury, will return, while Evan Ferguson will be included.
Ireland begin a daunting World Cup qualifying campaign against World Cup finalists France on Monday week, 27 March, before then taking on the Netherlands, Greece, and Gibraltar across the rest of the year.
The FAI, meanwhile, have not been informed of the venue for the away game against France on 7 September. France’s usual home venue, the Stade de France, is out of commission owing to the Rugby World Cup.
We need a 10 who wont be involved with Ireland so it’s a good signing, he won’t shunt Madigan and covers if Madigan is away
Great signing. He’s a perfect foil for Madigan in many ways. Playing style is more about control than Madigan’s gunslinging, he’s a great kicker from hand and tee plus he’ll be the steady hand we need at 10 when Madser is called up to the Irish squad next year.
Hopefully we’ve a big Aussie outside back signing on the way too…
Who’s that?
Madigan just can’t catch a break
Jimmy Cowen gave him some shot in that video
Should we not wait and see how he performs?
Where’s the fun in that….? ;-)
He is average at best. Seen him play quite a bit when he played with the Hurricanes. Doesn’t have the bottle for top level rugby.
What a load of utter crap. Jimmy was actually just starting to play his best rugby before he left. He is like the other 10 that left by the name of Nick a sorry loss to our fair shores. You sir have no class
Thy need to spend money to shore up 4 & 5 – not another 10……
Well they signed McCarthy from Connacht and Ben Marshall looks like a promising young prospect in their academy.
Fair point – McCarthy decent operator & haven’t seen the other guy in action, but its when we have a Hines, Elsom or Thorn that things start to happen …. great if we can grow our own of that capability.
Hmm. I wouldn’t b as positive about this guy… Id put him in a similar bracket as steenson but he’s Irish. I guess the financial reasons had a hand in this signing…
lol, why all the red thumbs??? Did i offend the poor Leinster new guy?? Hope Im wrong but cant see this guy being any more than an average Rabo player……
He’s perfect, as he won’t stunt Madigan but can step in when needed.
I for one don’t want Leinster signing players who get in the way of home grown players but players who can do a squad job when the irfu get in the way
Steenson is Irish. Look him up.
ERM….I know, I said that….
No but he’s taking a NIQ place. My point is Steenson wouldn’t have and at 28, is unlikely to feature in green….
Np ;-)
Cain I have the greatest admiration for Munster Rugby and always hope they do well unless they are playing Leinster.
Cian sorry the auto correct got the better of me.
Every province needs stand-in players when Ireland duties call. Leinster have been fortunate in the likes of Contepomi and Nacewa and hopefully this new recruit will make his own impact. The Rabo is not a second rate completion as Munster is finding out. Hopefully they will make the top four? It’s no longer a given.
Should read competition
I don’t think we will 2 b honest…. All our eggs are in the Heineken Cup basket I think….