We know Martin O’Neill likes to downplay events but this is a fresh low.
The Ireland coach will go into Wednesday’s win-or-bust Group E match with Italy knowing that two of his star men are less than 100%.
In Jon Walters’ case, it is best not to stick any sort of percentage to his name. He has enough to carry around on his damaged Achilles’ tendon.
Speaking to the assembled media in Lille on Tuesday afternoon, O’Neill was asked about the fitness of two of Ireland’s key attackers. Walters’ hopes of starting tomorrow are slim.
Martin O'Neill on Jon Walters: "He'd be very doubtful for the game"
— Conán Doherty (@ConanDoherty) June 21, 2016
The Stoke City forward will be named among the subs if he does not make the starting XI. He is far from fit but could yet be asked to play through the pain barrier, if required, in the closing stages.
Wes Hoolahan has been withdrawn in both of Ireland’s Euro 2016 games. O’Neill told us that Hoolahan had a tight calf in the 1-1 draw against Sweden. He lasted an hour in that game and slightly longer in the defeat to Belgium. Apparently his substitution in that game was a tactical switch and made to save the 34 year old’s legs.
Three games in 10 days may be a stretch for Hoolahan and there has been speculation that the midfielder may be on the bench.
O'Neill asked about Wes Hoolahan. Says he will firstly take into consideration the "fitness and freshness of players who've played a lot"
— Conán Doherty (@ConanDoherty) June 21, 2016
That comment could also draw in Shane Long, another player who’s place may be under threat.
It was not all sombre from O’Neill. Ahead of the latest, biggest challenge of his managerial career, O’Neill talked up Ireland’s recent achievements:
"We beat the world champions on a night we had to win. This was a team that, just 18 months earlier, went to Brazil and won the World Cup"
— Conán Doherty (@ConanDoherty) June 21, 2016
That’s the spirit Martin.
