Whelan adds to Ireland’s injury woes

Injury concerns for Ireland ahead of Friday’s big World Cup qualifying test against Germany have worsened with the news that Glenn Whelan is the latest player to emerge as a major doubt for the game.

The Stoke City midfielder was forced out of yesterday’s scoreless draw with Liverpool after just 20 minutes, suffering from a hamstring problem. He will undergo a scan in Dublin this morning before any further decision is taken on his fitness.

Today also looks like it could be make or break for Sean St Ledger (hamstring) and James McClean (groin), both of whom will be assessed this morning on the basis of scans for their respective injuries.