We reported earlier today that Rob Elliot is out of the Republic of Ireland’s important Euro 2016 play-off game on Friday night in Bosnia and Herzegovina – and he did not travel with the Ireland squad who jetted out today for the game.
Martin has talked to Newcastle officials and with Rob himself – who wants to play – but the Newcastle goalkeeper has admitted he is not fully fit.
Martin O’Neill – I understand Newcastle’s position
This is what the Republic of Ireland manager said about the Newcastle goalkeeping situation:
“No, I understand Newcastle’s position. From our viewpoint, I think they understand ours. We could call him and assess him ourselves if we so desire.”
“But Rob himself, I think that’s the main person to ask about it all and Rob himself, while feeling that he is not great, would obviously want to do something.”
“But he doesn’t feel as if he’s 100 %, or possibly not even 80% fit, so from that viewpoint, even though he did splendidly in the game, I think we are served well enough.”
“Rob would obviously love to play, but perhaps he’s not completely right.” “We will in essence travel without him to go to Bosnia, and then we will see how things are.”
“Again, we do have a bit of a problem as well with Keiren Westwood – Keiren has got a foot injury – but he thinks he’s okay.”
The return game is only three days after the first leg and will take place in Dublin next Monday night.
Although nothing is certain at this stage – it’s very unlikely Rob will be fit for that game if he’s not even 80% fit for Friday night’s game.
We are hoping Rob will become fitter before our home game against Leicester City a week on Saturday, but it looks like he will not be 100% fit by then.
🙁
Comments welcome.
44 comments so far
Ibizatoon
Nov 11, 2015 at 10:50 PM
Comment #41BandB…If you don’t mind, only one of these will do.
🙂
BandB
Nov 11, 2015 at 10:54 PM
Comment #42Well, boys, I must to bed.
Eleven strikes, my bingo wings drop off, and I turn into a beautiful princess.
Ibizatoon
Nov 11, 2015 at 10:57 PM
Comment #43BandB…I thought that only happened to me! Sleep well.
Goodnight blog. I might save the surprise of which Man U defender could arrive at Newcastle until tomorrow. Who am I kidding, as if I’d get any sleep!
jimmysmith
Nov 11, 2015 at 11:49 PM
Comment #44Did Newcastle give Elliot a nudge? Probably, and it’s quite self serving and coercive if they did, considering he’s a capable understudy at Newcastle at best, who certainly appear to view Darlow and probably even Woodman as the greater long term first choice prospects.
O’Neill is no doubt pragmatic enough and experienced enough to know what’s going on and hopefully decent enough not hold it against him, at least Elliot will be hoping so. In reality though, and the club v country debate aside, the two week respite from the full rigours of training is just what his injury needs.