Martin O’Neill facing worst injury crisis in three years

Martin O’Neill has challenged the Republic of Ireland to come out fighting as an looks to deal with his worst injury crisis in three years ahead of Friday’s World Cup Qualifier against Wales.

Already without the suspended Robbie Brady for Friday night’s Group D clash at the Aviva Stadium, O’Neill today saw playmaker Wes Hoolahan added to a casualty list which includes central defenders Shane Duffy and Ciaran Clark, and midfielder Harry Arter.

Everton’s James McCarthy and Newcastle’s Daryl Murphy could also miss out with Ireland rapidly running out of options, although their manager is confident he will still be able to field a competitive team.

Asked for an injury update, O’Neill said: “How long have you got? It’s the lengthiest list of injuries that I have known since I have come into the job, and unfortunately it’s happened at a really crucial time for us.

“However, other players will have to step up and just be ready for Friday. Do you know, I have often said this before, that you just curse your luck and get on with it.

“The irony of all of this here is that way back when Gareth Bale got injured in November-time, everybody was talking about Wales possibly having one of their major players out of the team, and it turns out that we are the ones who are doing the suffering.

“But it is what it is and we’ll get on with it and we’ll be ready to go on Friday.”

The Republic head into the game sitting proudly at the top of Group D and four points better off than Euro 2016 semi-finalists Wales.

O’Neill said: “Wales will not feel as if they’re out of it at all by any stretch of the imagination. Their own experiences of the Euros will stand them in good stead.

“This game has come at a time when we’ve had to look at some of the major players being out, but we’ll go with it with as much gusto as possible.”

“It’s a tough task. It would have been a tough task normally even if we were at full-strength. It’s going to take an almighty effort to win this game.”