Shane Duffy to miss vital Wales clash

Martin O’Neill will plan for Ireland’s crucial World Cup qualifier with Wales without defender Shane Duffy as the Brighton star undergoes a foot operation today.

Duffy will be out for next six weeks after fracturing a metatarsal in the latter stages of their 3-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest on Saturday - Brighton’s second consecutive defeat which threatens to derail their promotion push.

It also means Ireland must plan without the Derry centre-back when they face Wales in their World Cup Group D qualifier at Aviva Stadium on March 24.