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VIDEO: Martin O’Neill issues update on Jon Walters’ fitness and gives his thoughts on Belgium’s chances
Published 16:53 14 Jun 2016 BST
Homesport
Bollocks anyway.
It looks like Jon Walters won't be available for Ireland against Belgium. Martin O'Neill's men head for Bordeaux to face off with Marc Wilmots' side on Saturday. A draw against Sweden has actually put the Irish ahead of the Belgians in the group after one game. However, after battling through for 65 minutes with an achilles injury on Monday, Walters was struggling to complete his usual, typical shift of three men and he had to eventually be withdrawn. And the manager confirmed that the Stoke player is a major doubt ahead of the second group game with Belgium before turning his attention to Ireland's last two opponents who played on Monday night - Italy, of course, winning 2-0."Jon Walters, obviously, would be the main concern. I'd say he'd really would be doubtful for the second game," O'Neill told FAI TV. "This idea that Italy are a has-been side I think has been totally negated. Italy are a tournament team. We know this from years and years and years of experience. "They are a tournament side, they qualify for competitions because they are a strong footballing nation. They have very, very good players now and they will be hard. "Belgium have got a real set of individual players. It's whether they go and gel as a side or not but they have individuals capable of taking you on and beating you and they play in top class company every week."https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=960kU6YKmlY Clip via FAI TV.
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