Seamus Coleman has been withdrawn from the Ireland squad for all three of the upcoming internationals.
Boss Stephen Kenny tonight called up Cyrus Christie as cover while Burnley’s Kevin Long is drafted in to replace crocked Darragh Lenihan.
Skipper Coleman suffered a hamstring injury in Everton’s impressive 4-2 win over Brighton on Saturday.
He had a scan this morning and the FAI have tonight confirmed that he will play no part against Slovakia on Thursday or in the Nations League games with Wales and Finland.
Christie, who is on a season long loan at Nottingham Forest, has 24 caps but hasn’t featured since the friendly win over Bulgaria under Mick McCarthy 13 months ago.
Harry Arter - a Forest clubmate of Christie’s - had a scan on a thigh strain today and will be assessed again by the Irish medical staff at training tomorrow.
Speaking earlier today, Kenny said: “Seamus was chasing Aaron Connolly at the time and just pulled up.
“He seems to have a hamstring strain that will most likely rule him out.
"Seamus is disappointed. He loves his country, he loves playing for his country, he's a very passionate Irishman.
“He knows (Slovakia) is an important game and it's one that he doesn't want to miss out on.”
Blackburn Rovers centre-back Lenihan picked up a knock in training and did not play against Cardiff yesterday.
