Injury boost for Ireland boss ahead of Vienna

Martin O’Neill took a 27 man Republic of Ireland squad to Vienna on Thursday ahead of this weekend’s Russia 2018 qualifier against Austria.

On the plane were Dundalk duo Daryl Horgan and Andy Boyle but there was no place for midfielder Eunan O’Kane. The Leeds United man returned to his club as he couldn’t overcome a groin issue.

There was good news elsewhere from their earlier training session at the FAI National Training Centre in Abbotstown. Both John O’Shea and James McClean, who had both been carrying knocks, took a full part in the training session. O’Shea overcame a hamstring problem while McClean left behind a back difficulty.

It is a welcome boost for O’Neill who already had James McCarthy, Shane Long, Stephen Ward and Daryl Murphy missing from his squad due to injury.

Meanwhile Austria are dealing with their own injury issues. Regular starters midfielder Zlatko Junuzovic and goalkeeper Robert Almer are missing from their squad.

It is likely that Alessandro Schöpf will start in place of Junuzovic who played in all three Austria games in the qualifiers to date from which they have earned just four points.

“Like any player, I would like to play from the start and help the team, but the manager will decide,” said the 22-year-old Schalke midfielder to oefb.at. 

“I always give gas, no matter whether I play from the beginning or maybe I'm a substitute. It is important that we as a team show a good performance against Ireland and try to win the game.”

Karim Onisiwo who was brought into the squad on Monday was also speaking ahead of the match in the sold out Ernst Happel Stadium. “We have analysed Ireland and are tactically well adjusted,” said the Mainz midfielder.

“We go fully focused on the game, are well prepared and will give everything to win the game."

Republic of Ireland Squad in full

Goalkeepers: Darren Randolph (West Ham United), Keiren Westwood (Sheffield Wednesday), Colin Doyle (Bradford City).

Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Richard Keogh, Alex Pearce (Derby County), John O'Shea (Sunderland), Ciaran Clark (Newcastle United), Paul McShane (Reading), Shane Duffy (Brighton & Hove Albion), Andy Boyle (Dundalk).

Midfielders: Aiden McGeady (Preston North End*), James McClean (West Bromwich Albion), Jeff Hendrick (Burnley), Glenn Whelan (Stoke City), Harry Arter (Bournemouth), David Meyler (Hull City), Stephen Gleeson (Birmingham City), Robbie Brady, Wes Hoolahan (Norwich City), Callum O'Dowda (Bristol City), Jonathan Hayes (Aberdeen), Daryl Horgan (Dundalk).

Forwards: Jonathan Walters (Stoke City), Adam Rooney (Aberdeen), Kevin Doyle (Colorado Rapids), David McGoldrick (Ipswich Town).

*Indicates player is currently on loan

Extratime.ie will be covering the game from Vienna including Friday’s pre-match press conference and the match on Saturday evening in the Ernst Happel Stadium.