Martin O’Neill has put Jon Walters’ participation in Saturday’s crucial clash with Belgium in doubt.
Speaking in this afternoon’s press conference in Versailles, O’Neill suggested that it will be unlikely that the Stoke forward will be fit enough to play any part in what is a crucial match for both sides.
Walters started Monday’s match with Sweden but was withdrawn just after the hour mark and it was clear to all that the Achilles injury which blighted the end of his domestic campaign was still bothering him.
Martin O'Neill on Walters: "He's going to be struggling. If the game was tomorrow he wouldn't make it." #RTEsoccerhttps://t.co/7rgEQCLiRg
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) June 15, 2016
Post-Sweden, Walters complained that he could feel the injury “after one minute” and it harboured his ability to sprint or jump throughout the match.
However, O'Neill remained tight-lipped on how might replace Walters if, as expected, he's ruled out of the Belgian showdown.
O’Neill also suggested that Ireland’s positive display against Sweden could provide a strong foundation for a good result in the match on Saturday.
We have to go an compete. If that game against Sweden doesn't lift us, nothing will.
Monday was a great effort by the side. We are disappointed we didn't win. What you deserve and what you get are two different things.
International football is about tournament football. We've come here to try and make our mark. We've two major games to come.
And O'Neill clearly isn't looking past that first major upcoming test. He spoke highly of the talent in the Belgian squad, singling out Eden Hazard for special attention. He doesn't anticipate it being all one-way traffic, however.
Belgium are very dangerous. It will be a tough night for us but it will also be a tough night for them.
Meanwhile two of Ireland's young guns, Jeff Hendrick and Robbie Brady, were full of praise for the Conor McGregor promo which RTE Sport had lined up ahead of the Ireland match on Monday afternoon.
"It was great to see." - Robbie Brady responds to @TheNotoriousMMA's pre-Sweden battle cry #RTEsoccer #UEFA2016https://t.co/VVvu9HOeSH
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) June 15, 2016
