Injury setback for Andrew Omobamidele at Norwich, Dara O'Shea stepping up West Brom recovery

Republic of Ireland defender Andrew Omobamidele has suffered a "setback" in his recovery from a back injury, Norwich City have confirmed.

The 19-year-old last featured for Norwich on 5 December against Tottenham and had been nearing a return to action this month.

But he remains unavailable, with Canaries manager Dean Smith saying at the pre-match press conference ahead of their game against Manchester City: "Andrew has suffered a setback with his injury. We're hoping it's nothing too serious but we've sent him to see a consultant to check."

The Leixlip native has made seven appearances for Norwich this season, including four starts in the Premier League and a first top-flight goal against Leeds in October.

At international level, Omobamidele has emerged as a regular pick for Stephen Kenny since making an impressive senior debut as a first-half substitute for West Brom's Dara O'Shea in the 2-1 defeat to Portugal in September's World Cup qualifier.

He has since won five caps including starts against Serbia, Azerbaijan and Qatar in the autumn.

Meanwhile, O'Shea, whose ankle fracture against the Portuguese led to Omobamidele's introduction, stepped up his return from that injury this week when he made a late substitute appearance for West Brom against Sheffield United in the Championship on Wednesday.

The 22-year-old had made two appearances for West Brom's under-23s in the past two weeks, including 90 minutes on Monday, as well as in a behind-closed doors friendly.

O'Shea told Birmingham Live of his joy at making a first-team return after five months on the sidelines.

"I feel perfect. I’ve felt great for the last couple of weeks, it’s just protocol to ease yourself back in. I feel fit, strong. I’m just itching to get back into the