The Republic of Ireland's hopes of beating Bosnia in the Euro 2016 playoff have taken an injury blow in Sunday's early Premier League kick-off. Our most experienced defender, John O'Shea was taken off before half-time in the Tyne-Wear derby between Sunderland and Newcastle.
O'Shea appeared to pull up with a hamstring complaint, and was taken off immediately. O'Shea was able to walk off the pitch unaided - which does hint that any problem may not linger.
But with the Republic of Ireland playing Bosnia in just under three weeks, O'Shea's potential injury will be a source of concern for Martin O'Neill. A yellow card against Poland means that O'Shea is already suspended for the first leg on the 13th of November against Bosnia, but with the second leg being played just three days later - it will still be touch and go about whether the Sunderland defender will be fit to play.
Meanwhile, Sunderland took a controversial lead in that game. Adam Johnson converted a penalty on the stroke of half-time after Fabricio Coloccino was sent off. Twitter weren't sure if Coloccini should have seen red:
Shocking refereeing decision that to send Coloccini off and give a Penalty. Adam Johnson dispatches, Sunderland 1-0
— Spion Kop (@TheKopHQ) October 25, 2015
That was a perfect shoulder barge by Coloccini in my opinion. Carra and Terry would've been proud. #nufc
— D P (@Sarkies_Proxy) October 25, 2015
A second goal from Sunderland full back Billy Jones from a Yann M'Vila volley gave them control in the second half.
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Picture credit: David Maher / SPORTSFILE
