Martin O'Neill upbeat on Robbie Brady's Euro 2016 fitness chances for Republic of Ireland
Monday 6 June 2016 22:12, UK
Martin O'Neill has allayed fears Robbie Brady could miss the Republic of Ireland's Euro 2016 opener against Sweden after the versatile wideman sat out Monday's training session.
Brady was a noticeable absentee from the main group's training session and O'Neill confirmed he had suffered a back spasm.
The 24-year-old serves a crucial role as the side's set-piece taker and left-back, but O'Neill dismissed concerns it was a serious setback for the Norwich player when asked if he was set to miss their opener on June 18.
"Hopefully not, he has definitely improved since the spasm occurred so that is good news, so I think things are not too bad," O'Neill told Sky Sports.
Robbie Keane remains another fitness concern, but took part in training in Abbotstown after revealing he was targeting a return in time for Ireland's first Group E game.
Ireland's all-time top scorer and captain was picked for the 23-man squad despite questions over his fitness and O'Neill refused to be drawn on whether the forward would be available to play.
"That I couldn't tell you at the moment, but he is genuinely improving," said O'Neill.
Ireland travel to France on Wednesday ahead of their game on Monday against Sweden and O'Neill has admitted his side are keen to get on the plane with so many teams already over in Paris.
"I think they are very keen," said O'Neill.
"Competition starts on Friday and of course we travel out on Wednesday. Other teams are already there so it is getting to that stage where it is just about upon us."
Ireland take on Sweden at the Stade de France on Monday, before facing Belgium on June 18 and Italy four days later in Lille.
