Shane Long ruled out of away play-off leg against Bosnia

Striker may yet make home match; goalkeeper Stephen Henderson called up

Shane Long has been ruled out of the first leg of the Euro 2016 play-off away to Bosnia. Photograph:  Cathal Noonan/Inpho
Shane Long has been ruled out of the first leg of the Euro 2016 play-off away to Bosnia. Photograph: Cathal Noonan/Inpho

Shane Long has been ruled out of the first leg of the Republic of Ireland's Euro 2016 play-off against Bosnia in Zenica on Friday as he continues to receive treatment on an ankle injury.

Martin O’Neill has not ruled out the chances of the Southampton striker playing in next Monday’s second leg at the Aviva Stadium, despite the Tipperary man having not played since picking up the injury in the final Group D game away to Poland on October 11th.

Charlton Athletic goalkeeper Stephen Henderson has been called up to the squad after Kieren Westwood was ruled out through injury.

Westwood has returned to Sheffield Wednesday with an ankle injury that flared up in training on Wednesday, the third goalkeeper that Martin O'Neill has lost from his opening squad announcement with Shay Given and Rob Elliot also ruled out with injury.

READ SOME MORE

The 27-year-old Henderson is uncapped, last representing his country at under-21 level. He has played the last four games for a struggling Charlton side, although they enjoyed a 3-1 victory over a Sheffield Wednesday side including Westwood at The Valley last Saturday.

Brentford midfielder Alan Judge has recovered from a hamstring injury and will join up with the squad on Wednesday evening ahead of their departure on Thursday.

David Meyler is doubtful to make the flight after jarring his knee in training on Wednesday.