Mick McCarthy says Seamus Coleman’s quad injury is “not good news as of now” as the skipper fights to be involved against Slovakia.
The Ireland captain came off injured during the first-half of Everton’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United on Sunday.
In-form Wolves ace Matt Doherty looks poised to replace him and win his 10th cap in the playoff semi-final in Bratislava on March 26.
“Our thoughts are with Seamus now,” said McCarthy today. “Our doctor Alan Byrne has been in touch with the medical team at Everton and we’ll wait on their prognosis.
“It’s not good news as of now but, like James McClean, Seamus is a fighter and he’ll do everything he can do to be on the plane to Slovakia. We’ll keep our fingers crossed.”
McCarthy was in Tallaght on Friday to watch Jack Byrne star for Shamrock Rovers in their thrilling 3-2 win over champions Dundalk.
He left moments before the Hoops midfielder scored the winning goal with seven minutes to play.
But McCarthy said: “I did see Jack’s goal – on my phone in the car. And yes, it was a great goal and maybe as good as the earlier Jordan Flores strike.
“What impressed me on the night was Jack’s ability to see a pass and make the pass.
“Plenty of players can see a pass but Jack is able to play the ball as well and that was a key factor in the game.
“He certainly gave me plenty to think about with that performance and I loved everything about the game.
“The atmosphere was electric, the record crowd had a real buzz about them and it was a great advert for the League.”
