Anxious times for Martin O’Neill as strikers injured

Republic of Ireland boss Martin O’Neill is facing an anxious wait as he prepares to name his squad for the Euro 2016 finals with all five of his strikers currently injured.

LA Galaxy frontman Robbie Keane and Stoke counterpart Jonathan Walters have both undergone knee surgery since leaving the camp prematurely ahead of Tuesday night’s 2-2 friendly draw with Slovakia, in which Shane Long suffered a patella tendon problem which has left him doubtful for Southampton’s trip to Leicester tomorrow..

Both Keane and Walters face several weeks on the sidelines and with Kevin Doyle, who had surgery to repair an horrific gash to his shin after last Friday evening’s 1-0 friendly victory over Switzerland, and replacement Daryl Murphy, who suffered a calf strain, already sidelined, O’Neill will be keeping everything crossed.