Wednesday 25 March 2015 09:31, UK
Wigan winger James McClean is the major injury worry for the Republic of Ireland ahead of Sunday night's European qualifier against Poland in Dublin.
The 25-year-old limped out of training at Gannon Park in Malahide on Tuesday morning with his left ankle heavily strapped, and was immediately taken for a scan.
Ireland manager Martin O'Neill has used the player regularly in his international team since taking the post in November 2014.
We haven't picked the side yet, but James has played exceptionally well for us in most of the games since I have been in charge.
O'Neill said: "James has got a sore ankle. He's gone for a scan - precautionary, I hope - but he was just feeling it a little bit. We'll see how he is.
"It didn't happen in training. He felt a little bit sore after yesterday. He thought it might go away, but it's just a bit of a pain across the ankle."
He will be desperate to have McClean fit for the clash with the surprise Group D leaders. Fellow wide-man Aiden McGeady has not played for his club Everton since January 31 because of a knee problem, from which he has now recovered, but which has left him short of match fitness.
O'Neill, 63, who first worked with McClean during their time together at Sunderland, insists he is yet to pick his team for what could prove to be a pivotal game in the campaign, but admits the former Derry City player has become an important player for him.
He said: "They are all key. We haven't picked the side yet, but James has played exceptionally well for us in most of the games since I have been in charge. Obviously I know him quite well - very well, in fact - and yes, he's a good player for us."
O'Neill also has concerns over Burnley full-back Stephen Ward, an 11th-hour call-up who was due to undergo a procedure to remove screws used to repair an ankle injury on Monday, while Stoke forward Jonathan Walters trained wearing a mask to protect the fractured cheekbone he had repaired recently.
Everton midfield duo James McCarthy and Darron Gibson have been nursed through the early part of the week after their exertions on club duty, while skipper Robbie Keane and new squad member Harry Arter of Bournemouth have now joined up with the rest of the party.
Watch Republic of Ireland v Poland on Sky Sports 5 from 7.30pm on Sunday night
