Martin O’Neill’s Premier League options have just taken a hit as it’s been confirmed that Stoke’s Marc Wilson will not be fit for Euro 2016.
A knee ligament injury sidelined Wilson for most of the second half of the Potters’ season and an aggravation of it in April means he will not be ready in time for this summer’s tournament in France.
O’Neill confirmed on Monday afternoon that he would thus not be able to consider the defender for a place in the squad.
MON: Marc Wilson has had a setback. The best thing for him is to take 4 or 5 weeks off. He will be out (of #EURO2016).. #COYBIG
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) May 23, 2016
The Ireland manager also cut four players from the 35-man provisional squad with Paul McShane, Anthony Pilkington, Alex Pearce and Jonny Hayes all being put on standby.
24 players took part in the first training session at Abbotstown ahead of Friday’s international friendly with the Netherlands.
Robbie Keane is due to land in Dublin on Tuesday while Kevin Doyle will not be present until later in the week after both strikers featured in MLS at the weekend.
James McCarthy did not take part in Monday’s session while David Forde, David Meyler and Keiren Westwood have yet to join up with the squad following their respective clubs’ involvement in the play-offs.
The 23 men on whom our European hopes lie will be made known on Saturday as O’Neill’s final squad is set to be revealed after training this weekend.
