Sam Szmodics ruled out of Ireland double-header

Sam Szmodics has a shoulder injury and will miss Ireland’s games against Andorra and Hungary.

But Chiedozie Ogbene is in line to feature despite struggling with a slight groin issue at the Ireland team’s training camp in Spain.

The Boys in Green arrived in Andorra earlier today ahead of tomorrow’s clash with the European minnows as Stephen Kenny chases his first win at the 12th attempt.

But uncapped Peterborough United attacker Szmodics will play no part after suffering a recurrence of a shoulder problem.

The 25-year-old - who qualifies through his Co Longford grandmother - was a surprise call-up last week having never played for Ireland at any age group.

“Sam Szmodics came down awkwardly on his shoulder,” said Ireland boss Stephen Kenny in Andorra today.

“It’s nothing serious but it’s an injury that he had earlier in the season. Chiedozie Ogbene had a tight groin but I think he will be fine.”

Skipper Seamus Coleman was already ruled out of tomorrow’s game with a hamstring strain but hopes to feature in Tuesday’s clash with Hungary in Budapest.

Kenny said: “We want to win, of course. It has been well documented that we're waiting to win. There were several games we should have won, but didn't.

“We have to try and get a victory. We’ll persist with giving people their opportunity as I believe we’ll get huge gains from that. “