Worrying scenes as Keith Earls stretchered off with what looks like a neck injury

We have our fingers crossed that the length of time it took to take Keith Earls from the pitch was purely precautionary.

The Ireland wing sustained a nasty looking neck injury when he stayed down after this attempted tackle on George North. After a lengthy break in play, the Munster man gave a promising thumbs up as he left the pitch on a stretcher.

Oh fingers crossed for Keith Earls who is down injured. Doesn't look great #IRFU #IREvWAL

— Colm Kinsella (@ckSportLeader) August 29, 2015

Will be tragic if Keith Earls misses another major milestone in his career due to injury #IREvWAL — Ross Horgan (@RossHorgan) August 29, 2015

Hope @KEITHEARLS87 is ok. He's a very talented player but had an awful run of injuries. Hate for him to miss the @rugbyworldcup.

— Lewis Roderick (@lewisroderick) August 29, 2015

Hope Keith Earls is ok ,fingers crossed #IREVWAL — helenhanley (@glenameadenelli) August 29, 2015

Awful seeing Keith Earls being stretched off. He had a class game three weeks ago, and was having a good show again today #GetWellSoon

— Carwyn Blayney (@CarwynBlayney) August 29, 2015

@keithfoxphysio work your magic again on @KEITHEARLS87 please pal. He was awesome up until the injury. — Martin Fallon (@mairtfallon) August 29, 2015

Praying for @KEITHEARLS87 that the injury is not too serious. Deserves his place in the squad. #versatility #IREvWAL

— Cllr Daniel Butler (@DanielButlerFG) August 29, 2015

All the best for Keith Earls. Fingers crossed he is ok. #walesvireland — Heath Marshall (@heathmarshall) August 29, 2015

https://twitter.com/alastaireykyn/status/637647932746014724 Earls was one of a number of Ireland players who suffered injuries in this afternoon's 16-10 defeat to Wales as Johnny Sexton, Peter O'Mahony and Luke Fitzgerald had to be replaced after leaving the pitch with knocks.