Soccer:While Shane Long's injury is likely to keep him sidelined for six weeks, almost certainly ruling the Republic of Ireland international out of the Euro 2012 play-offs against Estonia, his club manager Roy Hodgson feared a much longer lay-off.

West Brom’s Long suffered a knee injury in a challenge from Aston Villa’s Alan Hutton during Saturday’s derby, a tackle Hodgson claimed merited a red card. But he could be back in action by the early part of December although that will still rule him out of the play-offs on November 11th and 15th.

Hodgson said: “I was a bit relieved although six weeks is still a lot. It means he will still possibly miss six games. You don’t take the situation lightly — but we know it could have been a lot worse.

“The ideal scenario would have been no injury at all but, if there has got to be one, at least it’s not a serious break or ligament damage.”

Long’s availability is a particular concern as Kevin Doyle is suspended for the first leg of the play-offs on November 11th in Tallinn, while Robbie Keane is a doubt for both of them due to his of injury.

Giovanni Trapattoni’s other options in attack include Simon Cox and Hodgson believes Long’s club mate, can do a job for Ireland.

He said: “It is a blow for them and a big blow to Shane who is a very patriotic Irishman who was looking forward to helping his country get to the European finals. But it looks like they can fill the gap and maybe Simon Cox can help them.”