The Republic of Ireland squad look almost certain to start the Euro 2012 play-off against Estonia without the West Bromwich striker Shane Long.

Following a knee injury that has put him out of commission for up to six weeks after a shocking tackle from Aston Villa’s Alan Hutton last Saturday, the extent of Long's injury is apparently greater than initially feared.

Long is now said to be suffering severe bone bruising and a small bone chip inside his right knee.

Meanwhile with Kevin Doyle ruled out of the first leg in Tallinn on Friday November 11 through suspension, Irish captain Robbie Keane must scramble to be fit enough after missing the game against Armenia through injury.
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Speaking to the Irish Times after Saturday's game West Bromwich boss Roy Hodgson said there was 'no room in football' for the type of aggressive challenge made by Hutton.

'I don’t think it will be good news when the scan comes through because it was such a vicious challenge,' Hodgson said. 'I suppose he has got to consider himself lucky he hasn’t got two broken bones in his leg but I would think it is a serious knee injury. I was disappointed with that challenge by Hutton and not only saddened by it, but angered by it.

'I don’t think there is any room in football for those type of challenges on the field and overall the game wasn’t like that.'