Wilson suffers leg break

It has been confirmed that Stoke City and Republic of Ireland defender Marc Wilson has suffered a broken leg in Saturday’s stalemate draw with Sunderland.

The Antrim man was stretchered off and taken to hospital for X-rays after an innocuous challenge with Sunderland’s Steven Fletcher early in the second half.

Worst fears were confirmed last night as X-ray results revealed a break to the Wilson’s left fibula. Speaking to stokecityfc.com manager Tony Pulis commented:  “Marc will be out for a while, but we are not sure at this stage for how long.”

The injury will come as a big blow for the former Manchester United trainee, as well as to the Republic of Ireland national team and Giovanni Trapattoni who was in attendance at yesterday’s game. Earlier this month Wilson not only started his first competitive game for Ireland but also marked the occasion with his first international goal – a 25 yard shot to the top corner in the 4-1 win against the Faroe Islands.

Having waited so long to get his chance and then taking it, many had expected Wilson to kick on and provide a real challenge for the left back berth with Stephen Ward. However it now looks like the 25 year old will have to wait to add to his three caps and will now miss out on Trapattoni’s squad for the upcoming friendly with Greece which will be announced next Wednesday.