Rob Elliot knee injury puts ‘dampener’ on evening for Martin O’Neill

Kevin Doyle five days ago, Rob Elliot last night.

It has been an encouraging enough week or so for Martin O’Neill, but not one without a price and the premature exit of Elliot was the most disappointing — and not to mention cruel — moment during the course of this 2-2 draw with Slovakia.

The initial word after the Newcastle United goalkeeper disappeared down the tunnel on a stretcher spoke of a twisted knee and there were even whispers that it may be serious enough to threaten any participation in France come June.