Aiden McGeady is a doubt for the Republic of Ireland clash with Scotland on Saturday.
The Everton winger sat out of training at Malahide this morning with a hamstring problem and, whilst the manager stated that it was a precaution, there is concern about his availability for this weekend.
Martin O’Neill admitted that he will give McGeady as much time as is needed before he makes a decision on his team but the former Celtic midfielder could be missing from the line-up.
“He sat out of training today,” the international boss confirmed. “He’s a bit sore from a few things he was doing. He felt not so bad on Sunday [against England] but we’ll see how he is. He sat it out today as a precaution more than anything else.
“Taking a gamble will be very much with Aiden. If he feels as if he’s ready to go and participate in the match, that’s something we will look at. He has been such an important part of this campaign for us so I will give him all the time he needs.
“Aiden’s a very fine player. He has been terrific for us in the competition. He’s a fine player and, at his very best, he’s capable of unlocking any defence, I think.”
McGeady took a pelting of abuse from Scottish fans in the reverse fixture in Glasgow last November and he spoke last week about his desire to get his own back this weekend.
The injury casts a question mark over his availability for the country at the Aviva though and, having spent the majority of the season on the sidelines, he might struggle to get back to match sharpness for Saturday.
Martin O’Neill did confirm that he would imagine James McClean will feature at some stage or another in the game against Scotland.
