MICHAEL OBAFEMI has been ruled out of tomorrow’s clash with Ukraine - but Chiedozie Ogbene is pushing for inclusion.
Swansea City striker Obafemi was the star of the show in Saturday’s 3-0 rout of Scotland at Aviva Stadium.
He scored a wonder goal from distance and also teed up Troy Parrott with a sublime assist.
But Obafemi - who was making his first start for Ireland after four years out of the squad - limped off with a groin injury.
And although he has travelled to Lodz for the game, Ireland boss Stephen Kenny is resigned to planning without him.
"There are contrasting issues there,” said Kenny of his two key injury issues. “We think that Michael will miss out with his groin injury.
“But we are hopeful that Chiedozie can rejoin the squad as his was an impact injury in the game last week against Ukraine .
"It has been quite sore and painful but we are hopeful that he can rejoin.”
Ogbene - who missed the Scotland game - was put through his paces at training tonight, working away from the main group with some of the backroom staff.
Kenny will also have to shake up his defence as John Egan has been given leave as his partner is due to have a baby this week.
Shane Duffy is suspended and skipper Seamus Coleman withdrew from the squad after the Armenia game, where he aggravated a groin problem.
Blackburn’s Darragh Lenihan - heavily linked with a move to Middlesbrough - is likely to make his competitive debut at the back alongside Nathan Collins and Dara O’Shea.
"We will make changes,” said Kenny. “Hopefully John gets good news today himself at home. Shane is suspended and there is nothing that we can do about that.
"We are not unduly concerned because this is why we have been blooding players to give us this level of depth. I feel that anybody coming in will not necessarily weaken us.
"We have a strong squad and we have the capacity to deal with this. So it is a big challenge for us nonetheless but one that we are not fearful of."
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
