Will that number 14 shirt even fit little Eunan O’Kane?
No, we’re getting ahead of ourselves. But hearing that one of Ireland’s key men, the current international player of the year, is sitting out training 11 days out from the Euro 2016 opener against Sweden is worrying news indeed.
Jonathan Walters not training with the rest of the Republic of Ireland squad this morning after a kick to the calf.
— Damian Spellman (@DamianSpellman) June 2, 2016
This tweet begs the question, who the hell kicked Walters and what punishment will they face?
Walters has scored 10 goals in 39 appearances for the Republic of Ireland, most recently both goals against Bosnia-Herzegovina in the second leg of the Euro 2016 play-off.
The Stoke City attacker is a vital cog in Martin O’Neill’s diamond formation as he is capable of playing as a second striker, right winger and defensive midfielder simultaneously.
With Robbie Keane and James McCarthy already nursing injuries, and Seamus Coleman and Daryl Murphy short of match fitness, O’Neill will be hoping to keep as many players as possible on the training pitch at Fota Island.
There is no management update expected after training but if we get an update on Walters fitness we will let you know post haste.
