Confusion over Aaron Connolly fitness for Luxembourg ended with Instagram post

The Brighton frontman limped out of Ireland's 3-2 defeat by Serbia on Wednesday

 Aaron Connolly of Republic of Ireland awaits medical attention during the FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifying group A match between Serbia and Republic of Ireland at Stadion Rajko Mitic in Belgrade, Serbia. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

The confusion over Aaron Connolly’s fitness and availability for the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup home qualifier against Luxembourg tomorrow was ended on Friday afternoon when the player posted an Instagram message from the Brighton seafront.

An FAI tweet earlier in the day had ruled him out and confirmed that he was on his way back to his club, Brighton & Hove Albion, but that was subsequently deleted and Stephen Kenny added to the uncertainty when rated him as merely “doubtful”.