Mikey Johnston a doubt for Ireland's World Cup playoffs with ankle injury

INJURY BLOW: Mikey Johnston could miss Ireland's World Cup playoff with a stress fracture to his ankle. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile.

West Brom midfielder Mikey Johnston is set for a spell on the sidelines with a stress fracture to his ankle, which makes him a doubt for the Republic of Ireland's upcoming World Cup play-off semi-final against the Czech Republic.

Johnston sustained the injury during the first half of the defeat at Oxford on Saturday.

A club statement read: "(Mikey) Johnston is due to see a specialist later this week, where he will receive a full prognosis and establish a timescale for his return. Everyone at the club wishes Mikey a speedy recovery."

The Republic of Ireland are away to the Czech Republic on March 26, with the winners set to progress to face either Denmark or North Macedonia for a place at the World Cup finals in North America.