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Martin O'Neill on the lenghtiest Ireland injury list of his reign

Ireland manager Martin O'Neill has described the mounting injury list ahead of the Wales match as...



Martin O'Neill on the leng...
Soccer

Martin O'Neill on the lenghtiest Ireland injury list of his reign

Ireland manager Martin O'Neill has described the mounting injury list ahead of the Wales match as the worst he's experienced during his period in charge.

The Boys in Green have to contend with a lengthy injury list ahead of Friday's crucial 2018 World Cup qualifier at the Aviva Stadium.

Norwich playmaker Wes Hoolahan is the latest player to be ruled out of the game after suffering a thigh strain while playing for his club at the weekend.

He joins Brighton centre back Shane Duffy, Newcastle United defender Ciaran Clark, Bournemouth's Harry Arter and the suspended Robbie Brady on the absentee list for Friday's tie. Brady's absence is not injury related as he was booked in the 1-0 win over Austria which means he has to serve a one-match suspension.

Robbie Brady ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

Newcastle striker Daryl Murphy, who scored the equaliser against Serbia last September is also a major doubt and has been sent for a scan on a calf strain, while Everton midfielder James McCarthy's hamstring injury will be assessed when he joins up with the squad later today.

Captain Seamus Coleman and Aberdeen winger Jonny Hayes also both missed today's training session after picking up knocks, but Martin O'Neill says the pair will be fit enough in time for the weekend.

O'Neill has described the injury list as the worst he's experienced in his three and a half years in charge of Ireland.

"It's the lengthiest list of injuries that I've known since my times here, since I've come into the job and unfortunately it's happened at a really crucial time for us. However other players will have to step up and be ready for Friday," he said.

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