Chiedozie Ogbene injury blow for Ireland on eve of Amsterdam encounter

Ireland have been dealt a hammer-blow on the eve of their Euro qualifying clash with the Netherlands in Amsterdam as Chiedozie Ogbene has been ruled out through injury.

The Luton Town forward has been one of Ireland's most influential and dangerous players throughout Stephen Kenny's tenure as Ireland manager, and caused the Dutch defence serious problems in the reverse game in Dublin.

But the manager confirmed that he will be missing from the matchday squad on Saturday night as Ireland's disappointing campaign comes to a conclusion.

The manager revealed that Ogbene has been carrying two injuries, struggling with an ankle injury as well as a tight hamstring picked up two weeks' ago.

Four players checked into the international camp needing scans, and while Will Smallbone has already left the squad, Ogbene is now another who will not feature against the Dutch. Festy Ebosele was further added to that list and he did not travel with the squad.

"Unfortunately, Chiedozie Ogbene is out," said Kenny, speaking at the pre-match press conference.

"An ankle injury has ruled him out, he hasn't been able to train this week, he hasn’t trained at all, he hasn’t been able to put his foot in a boot properly.

"He had a tight hamstring that forced him to come off late against Liverpool. He played against Manchester United last week, but he didn’t feel that he could sprint fully and has been anxious about that as well."

And Kenny lamented Ogbene's absence, stressing the importance of the player throughout the campaign.

"Chiedozie has been brilliant, he has been excellent," said Kenny. "He has been a shining light for us, but regardless it is an opportunity for other players and that is the way we certainly have to view it."

On a brighter note, Evan