Massive Blow For Irish As Doyle Ruled Out

Kevin Doyle

Bad news on the injury front for the Republic of Ireland heading into their must win Euro 2012 qualifier, Kevin Doyle has been ruled out of the squad with a knee injury.

A statement from the FAI stated that Doyle had travelled back to Wolves for treatment on a knee injury that has been hampering him over the last couple of months.

This is such a huge blow for Giovanni Trapattoni and it couldn’t have come at a worse time. After dropping their first points of the new qualifying campaign against Russia in their 3rd match on Friday night, the Republic now travel to Slovakia in desperate need of all three points.

Speaking this morning after training in Malahide, assistant manager Marco Tardelli confirmed the news and said that is was a huge loss to the team but continued to say they must not get bogged down by this, and he said on a positive note, it will give younger players the chance to shine.

Shane Long, who came off the bench and scored on Friday night is in line to land a starting role, he said that although Doyle’s absense will be felt, he looks forward to be given a chance to prove himself again.

Sportspeak also learned this evening that former Bohemians goalkeeper Brian Murphy has been drafted into the squad to replace Keiren Westwood, after he recieved a facial injury during today’s session.

Daniel "Pitchside" Pitcher Twitter: @DanFM104Sport About: Dan "Pitchside" Pitcher provides insight and commentary as the chief soccer and rugby correspondent for Sportspeak.