Ireland low on numbers ahead of Nations League opener as Alan Browne and James McClean join injured list

Ireland’s injury woes continue to mount ahead of tonight’s Nations Cup opener against Wales in Cardiff with Alan Browne joining James McClean on the sidelines.

Preston midfielder Browne is the latest player from Martin O’Neill’s squad to have to withdraw having picked up a calf injury since the squad assembled in Dublin last week.

It's a blow for O’Neill andfor Browne himself, who has made a very impressive start to the season with Preston scoring a spectacular volley in last weekend’s league game against Bolton.

The 23-year-old joins a lengthy withdrawal list from players as a result of injury or otherwise. James McClean yesterday had surgery on a wrist injury and is set to be out for at least six weeks .

Shane Long, Robbie Brady, James McCarthy and Sean Maguire all failed to make the final squad due to injury.

Brentford midfielder Alan Judge will also missout after he was omitted from the match day 23.