SEAMUS COLEMAN’S dream of starting an international match for Ireland this weekend is over after he was forced to withdraw from the squad.
The Killybegs man suffered an injury in training and won’t make the team for tomorrow’s Euro 2012 clash.
Following the withdrawals of Keith Andrews, John O’Shea, and Leon Best, as well as Shay Given’s medium-term injury, Coleman has been forced out with an ankle injury.
The withdrawals cut Giovanni Trapattoni’s squad down to 25, while the Ireland boss has been facing concerns over the fitness of some of his first-choice players.
Defender Sean St. Ledger picked up a knock in training, but is respected to recover fully for Saturday’s game.
Coach Alan Kelly was optimistic about his recovery, when speaking to the media earlier today. “We are just being careful with him and taking every precaution,” said Kelly. “He has suffered an impact injury going boot-to-boot with Ciaran Clark.
‘We will give him as much time as we can and see what happens on Friday. It’s all you can do in these situations when people pick up knocks. We have got to see what happens when we put him through his paces. We will have a decision then.
“We’re giving him as much time as possible, because 24 hours can make a big difference and we’ll see what he’s like after training. Obviously Ciaran has done very well for Aston Villa in a defensive role but we’ll have to wait and see. Don’t discount Sean St Ledger too soon.”
Richard Dunne and Damien Duff had both been forced to sit out Wednesday’s training session, but participated yesterday, along with captain Robbie Keane.
All three are likely to start on Saturday, with Irish assistant manager Marco Tardelli even claiming that Keane may be fit enough to play the entire game. “Robbie Keane has been out of action for many days after the injury, but I have found him fit,” Tardelli told reporters.
“There has been a smile on his face and he is in good form. I think it is possible for Robbie to play. He is fit to play a full match.”
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