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Double injury blow for Ireland - Whelan and Hoolahan set to miss Scotland clash

Glenn Whelan (fractured leg) and Wes Hoolahan (ankle) sidelined by injury ahead of Euro 2016 qualifier.

MARTIN O’NEILL’S PREPARATIONS for Scotland have been hit by a double injury blow in midfield.

Glenn Whelan faces up to six weeks on the sideline with a fractured leg while Wes Hoolahan is also a massive doubt for the trip to Glasgow.

Hoolahan damaged ankle ligaments in Norwich’s defeat against Fulham and went to see a specialist on Wednesday.

Canaries boss Neil Adams did not give a specific timeframe for his return but said he expects the playmaker to be out for “a number of weeks.”

Even the most optimistic prognosis would leave Hoolahan facing a race to be fit for Ireland’s Euro 2016 qualifier on 14 November.

Adams said: ”It’s a shame. Obviously you keep your fingers crossed but it’s going to be number of weeks before he’s back with us unfortunately.”

Whelan’s fracture occurred during Ireland’s 1-1 draw against Germany earlier this month, Stoke City manager Mark Hughes said.

“There is a slight fracture, but he hasn’t been put into a plaster cast. We feel that he can come back sooner by avoiding that.

“It is a blow for him and it is a blow for us because we are likely to be without him for four to six weeks.

“It is disappointing but thankfully we have options in there.”

Ireland sandwiched between DR Congo and Congo in the latest FIFA Rankings

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