Dundalk duo add zest to Ireland squad but Shane Long's injury woes cast a shadow

The feelgood news factor of the inclusion of Dundalk duo Daryl Horgan and Andy Boyle in the latest Irish squad is offset by unhappy confirmation that Shane Long has followed fellow striker Daryl Murphy into sick bay for the upcoming World Cup qualifier away to Austria.

And with Stephen Ward, John O’Shea, and James McCarthy named in the provisional panel but all considered doubtful, Martin O’Neill already has plenty to be concerned about before the game in Vienna on Saturday week.

The loss of Long (hamstring) and Murphy (calf) has seen Ipswich Town’s David McGoldrick recalled to the squad to join fellow strikers Jon Walters, Kevin Doyle and Adam Rooney.