ANKLE INJURY ENDS SEASON FOR IRISH ACE
IRELAND international Ciaran Clark has been ruled out for the rest of the season.
He will miss Ireland’s Euro 2020 play-off semifinal against Slovakia in Bratislava on March 26.
And he would be a major doubt for the finals in June if Ireland qualify by seeing off Bosnia or Northern Ireland in the play-off decider.
The Newcastle United defender suffered ankle ligament damage against Arsenal a fortnight ago and had been wearing a protective boot.
But after visiting a specialist, Magpies boss Steve Bruce is now resigned to being without the in-form defender until next season.
After a lengthy absence due to a lack of form, Clark, 30, returned to the Ireland team for the November friendly win over New Zealand.
It was his first appearance under Mick
IRISH LEAGUE
Mccarthy having last started in the 4-1 Nations League defeat to Wales under Martin O’neill.
With Richard Keogh sidelined for the foreseeable future, Clark was keen to push Shane Duffy and John Egan for a centre-back starting role in Slovakia.
He is the third Magpies defender to be struck by a long-term injury this term with Paul Dummett currently sidelined by a hamstring problem and loan signing Jetro Willems recovering from a ruptured cruciate ligament.
With wing-backs Emil Krafth and Javier Manquillo also on the casualty list and loan signing Valentino Lazaro suspended for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Burnley, head coach Bruce has seen his options reduced significantly.
Newcastle lie in 14th place, seven points clear of the relegation zone, but have collected just two points from the last 12.