Blow for Ireland and John O’Shea as Chiedozie Ogbene is ruled out of Switzerland clash

O’Shea had reported a clean bill of health during his press duties yesterday morning but after submitting their squad lists to UEFA, Ogbene has been left out of the matchday 26 with the FAI saying he’s returned to his club after picking up an injury.

The 26-year-old won his 20th cap and impressed in the scoreless draw against Belgium on Saturday night but will play no part this evening, with O’Shea looking to end his spell as interim boss on a high against a Swiss side without a win in their last five games.

There could be debuts for U-21 captain Joe Hodge, Lyon centre-half Jake O’Brien and Middlesbrough midfielder Finn Azaz with all three included in the matchday squad, as is Andy Moran, who has also stepped up from Jim Crawford’s side to the seniors having won his first cap against New Zealand last November.

Ireland v Switzerland: John O’Shea and Dara O’Shea press conference

Swiss boss Murat Yakin revealed last night that Manchester City’s Manuel Akanji had picked up a knock and the 28-year-old defender will also play no part tonight after he was left out of their matchday squad having started their previous 16 internationals.

Augsburg forward Ruben Vargas was also a doubt for the visitors and has too been ruled out of tonight’s Lansdowne Road clash, while the Swiss, ranked 19th in the world, are also without experienced first-choice ‘keeper Yann Sommer.