Brighton’s Shane Duffy falls to the ground with an injury that forced him off during last night’s EFL Cup clash. Photo: PA

Shane Duffy has given Ireland an injury scare ahead of the crunch double-header with Georgia and Switzerland after hobbling off in Brighton's EFL Cup game against Aston Villa with a calf problem.

The Derryman could not continue after suffering a kick in his side's 3-1 defeat and is in danger of missing the forthcoming qualifiers.

Duffy left the ground in crutches and heavily strapped up and will undergo a scan today.

Brighton manager Graham Potter said Duffy's setback was a "concern" and Mick McCarthy will share those sentiments.

Duffy was selected for an experimental Brighton side after losing his place for last weekend's Premier League game with Newcastle.

He remains an integral member of McCarthy's plans and the Irish manager will be hoping for a positive update ahead of the announcement of his squad next Tuesday.

Ireland take on Georgia in Tbilisi on October 12 before facing Switzerland in Geneva three days later.

Meanwhile, Chelsea's reward in the EFL Cup fourth round for their 7-1 win over Grimsby is a home tie against Manchester United.

That is not the only intriguing clash in the last 16 as Arsenal will travel to Liverpool.

Irish Independent