• Euro 2012

Republic of Ireland rocked by Long injury

ESPN staff
October 24, 2011
Shane Long limped off against Aston Villa © PA Photos
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Shane Long is unlikely to be fit for Republic of Ireland's Euro 2012 play-off with Estonia after a small bone chip was found on his right knee.

Long picked up the injury during West Brom's clash with Aston Villa at the weekend, after a dangerous lunge by Alan Hutton. The former Reading forward had to leave the field after 19 minutes.

A scan on Monday revealed serious bruising to the bone, as well as a bone chip, which is likely to sideline Long for around six weeks. That would rule him out of the play-off double header with Estonia, which takes place on November 11 and 15.

News of the injury was confirmed on West Brom's official website, and manager Roy Hodgson's disgust at the challenge by Hutton was clear in his post-match interview on Saturday.

"I don't think it will be good news when the scan comes through because it was such a vicious challenge," Hodgson said.

"I suppose he has got to consider himself lucky he hasn't got two broken bones in his leg but I would think it is a serious knee injury. I was disappointed with that challenge by Hutton and not only saddened by it, but angered by it.

"I don't think there is any room in football for those type of challenges on the field and overall the game wasn't like that."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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