Ireland manager Martin O'Neill admits Robbie Brady could be his selection at left-back for Sunday's crucial qualifier against Poland at the Aviva.
Regular starter Stephen Ward didn't train again today and is "still feeling the effects" of an ankle injury according to O'Neill, who says he "wouldn't have a problem with" Brady at left-full.
Ireland's Robbie Brady ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne
The Hull City man came through training well and O'Neill said: "He has played there at club level so one never knows.
"I think he's a fine player. I think he has played at left-back ... he's capable of doing a job if selected.
"He's obviously better going forward, I think ... but he isn't naive defensively, I hope."
Day 2 in Malahide. Ward and Gibson sitting out training again. pic.twitter.com/cD3aqNLsr9
— Nathan Murphy (@nathanmurf) March 24, 2015
The left flank is proving an issue ahead of the Group D showdown with the normal Ward/James McClean partnership in jeopardy as the Derryman also sat out training today with "a pain across the ankle".
Darron Gibson sat out the session with a groin strain, which is still sore from club duty with Everton on Sunday.
Meanwhile, O'Neill had praise for a new face in the squad, Bournemouth's Harry Arter. He's a "very nice footballer" who has "fitted in nicely" to the Ireland set-up and "freshens the squad up", O'Neill said.
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