Major blow for Heimir Hallgrimsson as Ireland star could be ruled out of World Cup qualifiers
BIG LOSS Major blow for Heimir Hallgrimsson as Ireland star could be ruled out of World Cup qualifiers
HEIMIR Hallgrimsson could be without an Ireland veteran after an injury sustained in a pre-season friendly.
Robbie Brady missed Preston North End's Championship action over the weekend due to injury.
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The Ireland boss will be hoping Brady makes a speedy recovery
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The 72-time capped Brady has been heavily involved in the Ireland team since Hallgrimsson took charge
Preston were without the Ireland international after he came off with an injury in a friendly game against Man City.
PNE went on to draw 1-1 with QPR in the opening game of the season as Ali McCann took the place of the injured Brady.
Before the game, Preston boss Paul Heckingbottom revealed the extent of the injury suffered by Ireland's Player of the Year.
When speaking to the Irish Examiner, the former Leeds and Sheffield United manager disclosed: 'Robbie got injured in the last game, he did his calf so he'll be out for a couple of weeks.
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"We'll see how we are then. Hopefully, we get the boys back as quickly as possible.'
With Ireland's World Cup qualification campaign kicking off on September 9 against Hungary, this will be a worry for Hallgrimsson.
Brady has just four weeks to recover from the calf injury and return to full fitness to help the Boys in Green's chances of World Cup qualification.
The 33-year-old has seen a revival in his international career since the appointment of Hallgrimsson.
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The Man United academy graduate has become a staple of the Irish side having struggled to get into the team under Stephen Kenny and went 18 months without an appearance.
The Dubliner has started all but two of the ten matches Hallgrimsson has been in charge for.
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Brady even made an appearance on the score sheet when he scored an 88th minute winner against Finland in the Nations League.
The former Burnley, Norwich and Hull City full-back's potential replacement will be dependant on the formation being line out.
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Should Hallgrimsson set out with five defenders, the attacking full-back Ryan Manning would be likely to start.
The 29-year-old scored a 90th minute equaliser at the weekend for Southampton before his teammate Jack Stephens added an injury time winner to defeat Wrexham on the opening weekend of the season.
However, a four at the back formation is more likely to suit Dara O'Shea of Ipswich Town.
Despite being right-footed the 26-year-old has lined out on a number of occasions at left-back for Ireland.
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