Wes Hoolahan - the Man of the Match against Germany on Thursday - was not named in Martin O'Neill's starting lineup to face Poland on Sunday night.
In Saturday's press conference, O'Neill had alluded to the possibility of Hoolahan not starting the game, though did not state for certain.
Speaking to Tony O'Donoghue on RTÉ before the Poland game, O'Neill explained the omission of the Norwich player.
Wes wasn't able to start the game. He came to me and said that he was feeling really sore from the exertions. Of course he played with the bad foot the other day.
But he's willing and ready if he comes on.
O'Neill also said that he knew on Saturday that Hoolahan would not start, but did not want to give away his team at the time.
Oh, I knew then. If you were to ask the Polish coach, he wouldn't be running around telling you what their team would be. I think it's pretty important to keep as much indoors as you can.
This is a big game for us and a big game for Poland.
Picture credit: Ramsey Cardy / SPORTSFILE
