John O'Shea looks set to miss Ireland's Euro 2012 play-off tie against Estonia after being ruled out for at least two weeks.
Defender ruled out for two weeks due to hamstring injury
John O'Shea looks set to miss the Republic of Ireland's Euro 2012 play-off tie against Estonia after being ruled out for at least two weeks with a hamstring injury.
The experienced defender suffered the injury during Sunderland's 2-2 draw with Aston Villa last weekend and was forced off during the first half.
He will sit out the Black Cats' trip to his former club Manchester United this weekend and manager Steve Bruce outlined the nature of the injury.
Shame
"John's injury is pretty straightforward, it looks like a normal hamstring, a Grade One, and I think he is two or three weeks away," said Bruce.
"He's certainly got no chance for Saturday, and looking at the first game for Ireland next Friday, I would have thought he's a huge doubt for that as well, which is a shame for the lad.
"It's typical of the luck he's had, unfortunately, since he's been here. They are probably the two biggest games he has been looking forward to.
"He might have a chance for the second one, but certainly I would have thought the first game would come a little bit too quickly for him."
If that estimate proves correct, then O'Shea will definitely miss next Friday's first leg in Estonia and would face a huge battle to return to fitness for the second leg in Dublin on Tuesday 15th November.
O'Shea's absence for the crunch double header would be a major blow for Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni due to his experience of playing in important games.
Trapattoni is also without Kevin Doyle for the first leg against Estonia due to suspension, while West Brom striker Shane Long is unlikely to recover from injury for the games.
