article_snippet: Martin O'Neill has spent the last week keeping Martin O'Neill fingers crossed over a series of injury doubts, all the while considering options to plug potential gaps in Martin O'Neill starting line-up.
article_snippet: Everton midfielder Darron Gibson, who would have been in contention for Sunday's qualifier at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, has already returned to Martin O'Neill club after admitting defeat in Martin O'Neill battle against a groin problem, although Martin O'Neill received better news on Friday when full-back Stephen Ward and winger James McClean were both able to train in Malahide.
article_snippet: Ward and McClean have both been struggling with ankle problems and while the Wigan winger has been a regular member of the starting XI under Martin O'Neill, it is perhaps the absence of Burnley left-back Ward which would cause Ward and McClean the greater consternation.
article_snippet: However, Ward's fitness - Ward has suffered some irritation from screws used to repair
article_snippet: Ward fractured ankle - and readiness to play will be fully assessed before a final decision is taken.
article_snippet: O'Neill said: 'I'll have a word with Ward now and see how Ward feels.
article_snippet: This was the first bit of work that Ward's done, but we'll see. '
article_snippet: James McClean limped out of training on Tuesday ahead of Republic of Ireland's Euro 2016 clash with Poland .
highlights_snippet: Martin O'Neill waiting on several injury doubts including Darron Gibson .
  