Jonathan Walters gives Republic of Ireland injury scare

Jonathan Walters

Jonathan Walters handed Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni an injury scare when he hobbled off the training pitch at Malahide on Tuesday.

The Stoke City striker, who sat out Monday's session with a back problem, was hurt in a collision with Shane Long and needed treatment on the pitch.

His ankle will be assessed over the next 24 hours but the Republic are hopeful there is no lasting damage.

The Republic face Sweden in a World Cup qualifier in Stockholm on Friday.

The Irish, who are third in Group C with six points, four behind leaders Germany, then face Austria in Dublin four days later.

Republic of Ireland goalkeeping coach Alan Kelly played down any fears that Walters may be a serious injury doubt.

"It's a bit of a bang. He sort of stepped across the ball and Shane Long came in and hit the nerves on the outside of the leg, so it's really just an impact injury," explained Kelly.

"I think he'll be okay. It's not a twist or anything like that, just an impact injury.

"After the initial burning went, he got up and got on with it. He's a tough lad, Jon.

"Obviously after something like that, he would be assessed, but he was okay. Just talking to him there, he seemed to be getting over the initial shock of it, really."

Goalkeeper David Forde and midfielder Glenn Whelan were able to train on Tuesday as Trapattoni pressed ahead with his preparations for the two crucial fixtures.

Millwall striker Andy Keogh has been called into the Republic of Ireland squad for the games at the weekend.

Keogh was not part of Trapattoni's initial squad of 29 players, but was included in the final 23.

Wolves forward Kevin Doyle, Joey O'Brien, Alex Pearce and Stephen Ward were all dropped, while Paul McShane, Aiden McGeady and Anthony Pilkington have all been ruled out through injury.

Republic of Ireland squad for Sweden and Austria fixtures: David Forde, Keiren Westwood, Darren Randolph, John O'Shea, Sean St Ledger, Ciaran Clark, Marc Wilson, Seamus Coleman, Stephen Kelly, Darren O'Dea, Glenn Whelan, James McCarthy, Paul Green, Wes Hoolahan, Jeff Hendrick, James McClean, Andy Keogh, Robbie Brady, Robbie Keane, Shane Long, Conor Sammon, Jon Walters, Simon Cox.

Stand-by list: Kevin Doyle, Stephen Ward, Joey O'Brien, Alex Pearce, Stephen Henderson, David Meyler.