Strikers crisis for Trap as Long sidelined

REPUBLIC of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni was last night facing the prospect of a striker crisis ahead of next month’s Euro 2012 play-off against Estonia after Shane Long was ruled was for up to six weeks.

Long suffered a knee injury when he was on the receiving end of a reckless lunge from Aston Villa’s Alan Hutton after 11 minutes in West Brom’s 2-1 victory at Villa Park on Saturday.

Hutton’s challenge was labelled ‘wicked’ by West Brom manager Roy Hodgson, who admitted he feared the striker would be out for an extended spell. And last night a statement on West Brom’s website confirmed Long will face a significant lay-off.

“Shane Long could face up to six weeks on the sidelines after a scan this evening confirmed the extent of the knee injury he suffered at Villa on Saturday,’’ the statement read.

“Long was forced to leave the field in the 19th minute after a challenge by Alan Hutton eight minutes earlier.

“The force of the tackle resulted in the Republic of Ireland international suffering severe bone bruising, and a small bone chip, inside his right knee.’’

However, despite the gloomy prognosis, FAI sources were last night anxious to stress Long may yet be fit to play a part in the play-offs games with Estonia on November 11 and 15.

The wording of West Brom’s statement left open the possibility that Long could be fit in less than six weeks, a ray of hope Trapattoni will no doubt cling to.

But given that the first leg in Tallinn takes place in two and a half weeks time, the prospect of Long being fit appears slim.

Long’s injury is a significant blow to Trapattoni given that Kevin Doyle has been ruled of the first leg due to suspension while Robbie Keane is also struggling with an injury, although the Republic of Ireland captain expects to win his fitness race.

Other than Keane, Trapattoni’s options up front are Long’s clubmate Simon Cox, who impressed against Armenia but is not a regular with the Baggies, and Stoke striker Jonathon Walters.

Newcastle United striker Leon Best and Celtic hitman Anthony Stokes are other options but both are currently persona non grata with the Ireland manager, a stance Trapattoni might now be forced by necessity to reconsider ahead of the country’s biggest games in two years.