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Walters injury causes Republic of Ireland concern

Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill has a fresh injury concern ahead of the Euro 2016 finals after Jonathan Walters picked up a knock in training.

Jonathan Walters picked up a knock in training. Credit: PA

The 32-year-old Stoke striker did not train with the rest of his team-mates at Fota Island on Thursday morning after taking a blow to the calf the previous day.

Instead, he went off to work in the gym with the physios, although the initial indications are that the problem is not too serious.

There was better news of Everton midfielder James McCarthy as he was able to join in with ball-work after shaking off his hamstring problem.

McCarthy had worked alone after completing the warm-up ahead of Wednesday morning's session, but stayed with the rest of the squad on Thursday as he stepped up his recovery.

Skipper Robbie Keane was out on the training pitch, although only as an observer with the 35-year-old striker not expected to resume until the middle of next week at the earliest because of a calf problem which required an injection earlier this week.

However, he did show off his hurling skills as he and staff member Dick Redmond tested out each other's ability at the Gaelic Athletic Association sport.

The players were due some down-time later in the day, with golf on the agenda ahead of the final day of their pre-tournament training camp in Cork before a weekend off.

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