Injured Long makes way for O’Brien

Shane Long was a new injury casualty for Mick McCarthy yesterday, the Southampton striker having to withdraw from the Irish squad with a groin strain.

His place in the panel goes to Aiden O’Brien who had a busy Sunday, scoring in Millwall’s FA Cup semi-final defeat to Brighton, though that extended game meant he couldn’t pick up the gong in person, later getting Ireland’s Goal Of The Year award for his fine header on his debut appearance in last September’s 1-1 draw in Poland.