Soccer:Everton defender Shane Duffy could be back playing within three or four months after surviving a life-threatening injury.
Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni today revealed doctors are hopeful that the 18-year-old, who suffered a freak liver injury during a training match on Friday evening, could return to action early next season.
Trapattoni said: “I have just spoken with our doctors and he is conscious. We are optimistic and all the doctors are optimistic. They think in about three or four months, he can play.
“But it is important he is fit, he is conscious and he is not in danger as he was in the first two days.”
Meanwhile, Trapattoni confirmed keeper Keiren Westwood will start tomorrow night’s friendly with Paraguay as Shay Given continues his recovery from injury.
Stephen Kelly, Paul McShane, Sean St Ledger and John O’Shea will make up the back four with Liam Lawrence, Keith Andrews, Glenn Whelan and Damien Duff in midfield and skipper Robbie Keane and Kevin Doyle in attack.