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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Paul O'Hehir

Ryan Manning an injury concern ahead of Azerbaijan clash

Ryan Manning is Ireland’s only injury concern going into Saturday’s World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan in Baku.

The Swansea City left-back sat out today’s training session with a sore ankle and was sent for a scan.

Ireland boss Stephen Kenny is awaiting those results before determining if Manning can travel with the squad tomorrow.

Shane Duffy took a full part in the session having missed training yesterday on compassionate grounds to attend his grandmother’s funeral in Derry.

And his Brighton team-mate Aaron Connolly was also involved, having arrived into camp later than other players after feeling unwell over the weekend.

World Cup qualification is already out of reach for Ireland but Kenny is chasing his first competitive win on Saturday.

And today he said: “Winning the game is the objective. The team is evolving and we want a strong performance and the win we desire.

“Criticism is part of it and I accept that. But I can’t dwell on the negative aspect of what happens if we don’t win. I just have to focus on winning the game.

“The players’ attitude is excellent and we have to turn that into wins. We realise that. We have trained well but have to bring it into the game and try to get that win.”

Wigan striker Will Keane is in the Ireland squad for the first time but the brother of Everton and England international Michael Keane is unlikely to start.

Kenny said: “He could be involved but whether we take him in and start him, maybe not but he’s a very good player.”

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