Injury woes at vital time for both Ireland and Wales

Martin O’Neill has fresh injury concerns to contend with while Chris Coleman is sweating on the availability of Gareth Bale, as Ireland and Wales prepare for the concluding two group games of World Cup qualifying.

Ireland play Moldova at home next Friday, the same day that Wales are away to Georgia, before the two sides meet in their final Group D game in Cardiff this day week with, potentially, a play-off place for the 2018 finals in Russia at stake.

In-form striker David McGoldrick suffered renewed hamstring trouble in Ipswich’s 3-1 defeat to Bristol City on Saturday, following which manager Mick McCarthy expressed concern about his presence in the Irish squad.