Blow for Martin O’Neill as Kevin Doyle ruled out

Martin O’Neill’s attacking options for the decisive Euro 2016 qualifiers have been hit with confirmation that Kevin Doyle will miss the Republic of Ireland October showdowns with Germany and Poland.

The Colorado striker picked up an adductor injury last week on his return to MLS duty from the last international break and the club have now confirmed that he could be facing as much as a month on the sidelines.

O’Neill included Doyle in the 40-man squad he named last Thursday for the crucial final pair of qualification matches against the top two teams in Group D in just over a fortnight’s time.