Republic of Ireland: Evan Ferguson and Chiedozie Ogbene doubts for Netherlands game
- Published
Chiedozie Ogbene (right) has impressed for Luton Town against Liverpool and Manchester United in recent weeks
Brighton striker Evan Ferguson and Luton Town winger Chiedozie Ogbene are both "doubtful" for the Republic of Ireland's final Euro 2024 qualifier in the Netherlands.
Midfielders Will Smallbone and Jamie McGrath are also being assessed.
"They're all doubtful. We might not lose them all but we might not have them all," said manager Stephen Kenny.
Andrew Moran, on loan from Blackburn Rovers from Brighton, has been called into the squad from the Under-21s.
Ferguson, Ogbene, Smallbone and McGrath all went for scans after arriving into the Irish camp carrying knocks.
The loss of Ferguson, who recently signed a long-term new contract with Brighton, and Ogbene, who was impressive against Liverpool and Manchester United, would be a particularly big blow for Kenny.
"We are monitoring their situation at the moment. Not all of them are straightforward," under-pressure Kenny added.
"It's not just about the scans, it's about managing the injuries and so forth. We'll see how that goes over the next couple of days.
When asked if any of the quartet were providing a larger concern than the others, Kenny responded: "Chiedozie is finding it difficult so we'll have to wait and see. Will Smallbone as well. They are all doubtful, we will just have to see how they are."
'Business as usual' despite unknown future
Stephen Kenny has been under pressure as manager after a disappointing Euro 2024 qualifying campaign
After a disappointing campaign, the Republic of Ireland cannot progress to Euro 2024 through Group B and any hopes of qualification through the play-offs are slim.
Kenny has been under pressure as manager with the Republic's only two victories in the group coming against minnows Gibraltar. Their campaign ends in Amsterdam against the Dutch on Saturday.
His contract ends after the friendly with New Zealand on Tuesday and says both he and the squad have been able to block out any noise surrounding his future.
"Just by focusing on the training and the games, really," Kenny said when asked how he managed to avoid distractions.
"The players are ambitious. They want to experience moments like playing against Holland in Amsterdam, what goes with that and the opportunity that exists there.
"The players are very determined. I have been open and honest, my contract ends next week but that hasn't altered anything.
"It's business as usual and we will work hard on preparing well.
"There are a lot of very talented players who are emerging. In their club careers as well, they are starting to do well this season.
"Two years ago, we probably had the equivalent number of players playing in League One than we do now in the Premier League.
"Their careers are on an upward trajectory and they are only going to get better, you would feel.
"There are good options in most areas and you feel there is a lot of growth in the squad and a lot of potential there."