Possible injury worry for Saints forward

Last night The Republic of Ireland were confined to a play-off place to try to qualify for next summers European Championships in France. Poland, who needed to win to qualify, beat them 2-1 in a tense match in Warsaw.

A goal from Sevilla midfielder Krychowiak from distance gave Poland the lead. However, just over a minute later and Ireland were awarded a penalty when Shane Long was adjudged to have been kicked in the head inside the penalty area. Jonathan Walters tucked home the spot-kick to level the scores at 1-1.

Poland then re-took the lead before half-time with Europe’s most clinical forward on current form, Robert Lewandowski, thundering home an impressive header past Randolph.

Ireland pushed for an equaliser in the second half but Poland held on to the win and ended up with automatic qualification, leaving Ireland in the lottery of the play-offs.

Another scare for Ireland, and Southampton, was that Ireland’s hero from Thursday, Shane Long, was substituted just ten minutes into the second half on a stretcher.

Ireland and Southampton will both be hoping that it is not a serious injury and that he can return in time for Southampton’s clash with Leicester. If it is serious then Ireland will be praying that he will be able to make their play-off tie when and where that is  after it is announced.