Tuesday 24 May 2016 09:14, UK
Stoke defender Marc Wilson has been ruled out of the Republic of Ireland's Euro 2016 campaign through injury.
Manager Martin O'Neill confirmed the 28-year-old, who was named in the initial 35-man squad, will now not be available as he continues to fight his way back from a long-standing knee problem.
O'Neill said: "Marc Wilson has had a setback. The best thing for him is to take four or five weeks off. He will be out."
Wilson has not played a senior game for Stoke since damaging knee ligaments in January and limped out of a behind-closed-doors friendly last month.
The Ireland manager expressed his sympathy for the defender, but revealed Wilson, who last played for his country as a substitute in the 1-1 play-off draw with Bosnia-Herzegovina in Zenica in November, was aware he was fighting a losing battle with his injury.
"It's really disappointing as he's not been part of the squad for a while," he said.
"He had a bit of a setback a few weeks ago and tried his utmost again. But the best thing for him is to take that four or five-week rest and hopefully those problems with the knee clear up.
"He is feeling twinges when he kicks the ball with his right leg. He's disappointed, but he knew it would be a long shot."
Meanwhile, Everton midfielder James McCarthy has had a scan on a thigh problem, but it is still possible the 25-year-old could be involved in Ireland's friendly with the Netherlands on Friday.
There were several other high-profile absentees from Ireland's training session on Monday with Robbie Keane and Kevin Doyle still with their respective MLS clubs, while Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Keiren Westwood, Hull midfielder David Meyler and Millwall's David Forde will not join up until they have fulfilled their respective play-off final commitments.
Aiden McGeady, who is currently on loan with Sheffield Wednesday, did train with the Ireland squad after being told he was not required for the trip to Wembley.
O'Neill is in the dark as to why McGeady will not feature for the Owls against Hull, but hopes the midfielder's confidence will not be affected.
"He and the manager decided for one reason or another that he wouldn't participate in the final and that he could come with us. You will have to imagine what that situation might have been," said O'Neill.
"Aiden has plenty of confidence, but to not be involved in a play-off final would be disappointing for him. For whatever reason between him and the manager, the manager has not picked him, so maybe his confidence will be affected somewhat."
O'Neill has trimmed down his squad ahead of Friday night's friendly against the Netherlands with Paul McShane, Alex Pearce, Anthony Pilkington and Jonathan Hayes all on standby.
