Darron Gibson was today effectively ruled out for the rest of the Premier League season by Everton but Stephen Hunt is still hopeful the Derryman can make Ireland's June 13 showdown with Scotland.
"It's very unfortunate for him," Stephen told Adrian on Off The Ball this evening. "He seems to pick up a couple of injuries like that every year.
"Before the Ireland game, before he got injured, he was in very good form so he'll be disappointed with that.
"He might be fit hopefully for the Scotland game. I still think he'll have a big part to play if he can get fit with a few friendlies to get himself up to match-speed and be ready for Ireland."
Ross Barkley and Shane Long (PA)
There was some good news for Ireland at Goodison Park though as Shane Long - goal-scoring hero against Poland last weekend, of course - started for Southampton in their 1-0 defeat by the Toffees.
"He started the game just before the international break come along for Southampton instead of [Graziano] Pelle," said Stephen, "and then Pelle played today with him so I'd just be curious if he played up front in a two or played up front wide in a three.
"He's capable of doing both but [he's] better up through the middle and using his strength and stretching the game and making things happen in behind the defence.
"If he can get a run of games and get a couple of goals until the end of the season, then he can go away on his holidays and get ready for Scotland."
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
