Seamus Coleman has tonight been ruled out of Ireland’s playoff with Slovakia.
The Everton defender is facing up to six weeks on the sidelines with the thigh injury he sustained in Everton’s draw with Manchester United on Sunday.
Earlier today, Ireland boss Mick McCarthy said Coleman was struggling but tonight in Amsterdam he was forced to rule his skipper out.
McCarthy said: “No, I don't think Seamus will be fit. He pulled his thigh. I don't think he will be here. It's four to six weeks.
“I said to the doctor that I would put him in the 40-man back up (squad) and call him up if he is fit but I don’t think he will be.”
In-form Wolves ace Matt Doherty will replace Coleman to win his 10th cap in the playoff semi-final in Bratislava on March 26.
“The Doc is flying,” added McCarthy.
Ireland were this evening paired in a Nations League group with old foes Wales, Finland and Bulgaria.
They will be Stephen Kenny’s first competitive games as Ireland boss when he succeeds McCarthy later this year.
UEFA will confirm the fixtures tonight but the six games will be played over three double-headers in September, October and November.
McCarthy said of the draw: “If I'm sat in the audience and I’m going to be doing it (managing the team) I'd be thrilled with.
“Especially so considering what could have been with Russia, Serbia, Turkey and Hungary.
“I don't know much about Finland and I won't pretend that I do. We beat Bulgaria in September but it was two different teams.
“If that has some resonance the fact that two different teams might be playing in the next one, who knows. That might help.
“Wales have qualified for the last two Euros, I thought they were good in the qualifying campaign.
“We're playing Slovakia and for them to finish above Slovakia in their group. they’re a good side. They are the standout side but I'd be happy with the draw geographically.
“You could have been going to Russia or Azerbaijan and that throws up different issues with seven hour flights to Azerbaijan.
“Overall it's a pretty good draw and Stephen sitting at home would be happy with that.”
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