Republic of Ireland waiting on Jonathan Walters ahead of Euro 2016 opener
Friday 10 June 2016 08:10, UK
Jonathan Walters remains the only real Euro 2016 injury concern for Republic of Ireland as he continues to battle a calf problem.
Walters warmed up with his team-mates ahead of their open training session at the Stade de Montbauron in Versailles on Thursday morning, but then worked separately with physio Dan Horan.
And when asked about Walters' readiness for Monday's opening game against Sweden, manager Martin O'Neill replied: "He has a few days yet and he's improving."
Walters has become a key figure under O'Neill, playing more often than not in an auxiliary wide midfield position to help add strength and resilience to the team.
Should he not make it, O'Neill would have to shuffle his pack, perhaps with Robbie Brady moving into midfield and Stephen Ward coming into the back four.
However, the manager insisted he would not have to opt for wholesale changes should the Stoke man miss out.
He said: "We don't have to re-think everything, but we have a squad of 23 players out here and everyone is keen to play.
"People want to make a mark on the competition and if Jon's not fit to play, somebody will step in and with their attitude, should do fine.
"I've a decent idea of the side but the players are very keen to start the game and a lot of them feel that they have got a chance of playing, which is good."
Meanwhile, O'Neill has confirmed he headed to France with his two-year contract extension only verbally agreed with Football Association of Ireland chief executive John Delaney.
The FAI announced on Tuesday evening that the 64-year-old, assistant Roy Keane and coaches Steve Guppy, Seamus McDonagh and Steve Walford had all agreed to remain in post for the World Cup qualifying campaign which gets under way in September.
However, O'Neill has revealed that he has yet to put pen to paper on his contract.
He said: "I've shaken hands with John, that's all that's necessary. John felt that going into the Euros it might be a decent thing to do, so fine. I'm happy with it. John and I had a conversation, I've shaken hands with him and I have implicit trust in him."
