Bad news folks, Jon Walters is OUT of Switzerland friendly

Well, that is disappointing.

Nobody brought more joy to Republic of Ireland fans during Euro 2016 qualifying than Jon Walters, and that was before he scored the brace against Bosnia that secured our passage to France. Unfortunately the home faithful will not have an opportunity to pay homage to the Stoke City attacker during Friday's friendly as the 32 year old has picked up an injury. A hamstring injury means Ireland's player of the year will not face Switzerland on Friday. His withdrawal follows the loss of Harry Arter on Tuesday, however at least Walters is assured of his seat on the plane. Arter will have an anxious wait ahead of Martin O'Neill's squad selection for France. The absence of Walters, Arter and Jeff Hendrick should provide opportunities for some other fringe players on Friday, such as Brentford's top scorer Alan Judge, to show their wares at Aviva Stadium.