Aiden McGeady's chances of starting his first competitive match for the Republic of Ireland in two years have increased greatly following more bad news on the injury front.
Irish boss Martin O'Neill confirmed this afternoon that a quad injury has forced Wes Hoolahan out of Friday night's crucial World Cup qualifier against Wales in Dublin.
The news came less than 24 hours after Harry Arter's withdrawal from the squad due to a calf injury leaving O'Neill short of options in the centre of midfield.
The gaffer could be ready to throw the gauntlet down to McGeady whom he believes has thrived at Preston North End this season due to the position that his club boss Simon Grayson has played him in.
"He's looking fitter and more athletic again and that comes from playing a lot of games", O'Neill said at the announcement of his provisional squad last week.
"His confidence is definitely up, and you know he is a confidence player anyway. The manager believes in him, which is good news.
"And he has more or less a free role to play there and he's helping the side which is great news, really good."
McGeady's last start in a competitive match with the Boys in Green was in the Euro 2016 qualifying draw against Poland at the Aviva Stadium in March 2015.
O'Neill found it hard to hide his frustration today though as another name was added to an already lengthy injury list and he will be sweating over one or two more.Captain Seamus Coleman and Aberdeen's Johnny Hayes both sat out today's session as a precaution - both with ankle knocks.
O'Neill sounded confident that if Coleman did not train tomorrow, he will train on Wednesday.
Striker Daryl Murphy was been sent for a scan on his calf muscle this afternoon while there are still concerns over James McCarthy who has been sidelined recently with hamstring trouble.
He will fly in to meet the squad today along with striker Kevin Doyle but despite admitting that he is still a doubt, O'Neill revealed that the Everton midfielder is optimistic about featuring at a sold-out Aviva Stadium.
"James is coming over and we'll see how he is. He'll just take it on a day to day basis. He thinks that he might be able to make it. That'll be great if he can. If he doesn't, well, we'll just have to do with him.
"It's the lengthiest list of injuries that I've known since I've come into the job and unfortunately it's happened at a real crucial time for us. However, other players will have to step up and just be ready for Friday."
