Roy Keane expects injured Republic trio to miss Euro play-off

Republic of Ireland assistant boss Roy Keane expects Shane Long, John O'Shea and Rob Elliot to miss the Euro 2016 play-off against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Defender O'Shea is banned for Friday's first leg in Zenica and may miss Monday's second leg because of a hamstring injury.

Striker Long, who has been sidelined for a month by a foot problem, while goalkeeper Elliott has thigh trouble.

"With the injuries we've had, I kind of ruled the boys out," said Keane.

"If they become available in the next day or two, particularly for the second leg, it will be a fantastic bonus because with the injuries they had, they were sore ones."

Sunderland's O'Shea has not played since 25 October, while Long has had an injection in the foot he damaged in the Republic's qualifying defeat in Poland on October 11.

Elliot impressed in Newcastle's win over Bournemouth on Saturday despite his injury.

Murphy in line to start in attack

With Jonathan Walters suspended and Shane Long an injury doubt, Daryl Murphy looks in line to start on Friday

Stoke striker Jonathan Walters is also suspended for the first leg, with Ipswich forward Daryl Murphy in line to replace him.

Murphy, who started against Germany last month, broke his scoring duck this season with a first career hat-trick in Ipswich's 5-2 Championship win over Rotherham on Saturday.

Keane said he had no issue with any of the current injuries affecting the Republic squad, with Reading defender Paul McShane and Brentford midfielder Alan Judge also doubts because of knocks.

However, he said it is "ironic" to hear club managers ruling out injured players for up to a fortnight during international breaks.

Keane said: "You ask any of the players who worked under me (at club level) - I never had a problem with players going away for internationals, never.

"I never ruled them out for 10-14 days every time there was an international match. If players were fit, they would go away.

"But it's ironic that they all seem to get ruled out for 10-14 days. It's happened with a few other club managers who have been international managers themselves."