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Shane Long to miss Republic of Ireland’s Euro 2012 play-off against Estonia

Injuries may now be greater than initially feared

DARA KELLY,

IrishCentral Staff Writer

Published Tuesday, October 25, 2011, 8:24 AM

Updated Tuesday, October 25, 2011, 8:24 AM

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Shane Long

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The Republic of Ireland squad look almost certain to start the Euro 2012 play-off against Estonia without the West Bromwich striker Shane Long.

Following a knee injury that has put him out of commission for up to six weeks after a shocking tackle from Aston Villa’s Alan Hutton last Saturday, the extent of Long's injury is apparently greater than initially feared.

Long is now said to be suffering severe bone bruising and a small bone chip inside his right knee.

Meanwhile with Kevin Doyle ruled out of the first leg in Tallinn on Friday November 11 through suspension, Irish captain Robbie Keane must scramble to be fit enough after missing the game against Armenia through injury.

Speaking to the Irish Times after Saturday's game West Bromwich boss Roy Hodgson said there was 'no room in football' for the type of aggressive challenge made by Hutton.

'I don’t think it will be good news when the scan comes through because it was such a vicious challenge,' Hodgson said. 'I suppose he has got to consider himself lucky he hasn’t got two broken bones in his leg but I would think it is a serious knee injury. I was disappointed with that challenge by Hutton and not only saddened by it, but angered by it.

'I don’t think there is any room in football for those type of challenges on the field and overall the game wasn’t like that.'

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PhlutiePhan | Oct 25, 2011, 07:29 PM EDT

The Irish National team has lacked an offense. Simon Cox brought some enthusiasm. Robbie Keane did not.

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Fightin69th | Oct 25, 2011, 11:32 AM EDT

I'd rather see Robbie Keane sit out the first leg, so he'll be fit for the home leg. Leon Best (Doing prettty well with Newcastle at the moment)could partner Cox up front, or have Cox play up front alone and have James McCarthy in as an attacking midfielder. (Like what he did for the friendly vs Brazil last year)

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brennanirish | Oct 25, 2011, 09:51 AM EDT

I hope you are wrong....but I think you are right.

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PhlutiePhan | Oct 25, 2011, 09:31 AM EDT

The Irish National Team has a wonderful defense. There offense continues to lag. Simon Cox played very well in replacing Robbie Keane. Keane had been lackadaisical at best. Damien Duff continues to be nothing short of amazing. His pass in the Slovakia game on the noggin of Keane in front of the net was one of the greatest passes that I have ever seen in any sport. Keane butchered it. Duff rushed down the right flank and then whirled with a left footed pass. Amazin' stuff that the rest of the team needs to feel. Unless the offense crystalizes, they will struggle to beat Estonia and then it's a quick exit in the Ukraine.

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