WITH the Republic of Ireland set for the biggest two games in recent times in a bid to reach the Euro 2012 finals, Waterford’s John O’Shea is a major doubt for the first leg of the playoff against Estonia on Friday through injury.
The defender was forced off in Sunderland’s recent 2-2 draw with Aston Villa after suffering a recurrence of the hamstring problem which severely truncated his pre-season and likely be ruled out of the clash in Tallinn.
O'Shea was missing in Sunderland’s Premier League trip to former club Manchester United, and his manager Steve Bruce has revealed his chances of making the first leg of Ireland's showdown with the Estonians this weekend are remote.
That will come as a huge blow to Republic manager Giovanni Trapattoni, who has installed the versatile defender as a cornerstone in his rearguard and O’Shea is now in a race against time to be fit for the game.
“I would have thought he's a huge doubt for the first game against Estonia on Friday, which is a shame for the lad,” said Steve Bruce.
“It's typical of the luck he's had, unfortunately, since he's been here. They are probably the two biggest games he has been looking forward to.
“He might have a chance for the second one, but certainly I would have thought the first game would come a little bit too quickly for him.”
HUNT HOPEFUL
Meanwhile, Stephen Hunt believes he is getting back to his best although he has a few niggles and is hoping to get the break in this weekend’s International playoff against Estonia in Tallinn.
The winger has been plagued by problems since arriving at Wolves and restricting the amount of influence he has had on games and he now believes that he is getting back to his influential and with a little luck, he will soon have a big impact on games - hopefully starting in Estonia.
