Derby's Jason Knight Knight gives Stephen Kenny lift amid injury headaches

green giant Derby's Jason Knight Knight gives Stephen Kenny lift amid injury headaches

Jason Knight of Derby County is challenged by Vitaly Janelt of Brentford. Photo: Getty

Aidan Fitzmaurice

March 17 2021 07:04 AM

Stephen Kenny got some badly-needed good news as some of his key midfield players came through last night’s Championship games unscathed.

As he prepares to name his squad tomorrow for the three-game series of internationals, including World Cup ties against Serbia and Luxembourg, the Ireland manager has a number of areas of concern. Already worried about the goalkeeping position, where Darren Randolph is definitely out and Caoimhín Kelleher is a major doubt, Kenny learned that Norwich City may send Adam Idah for surgery on a hernia problem this week, after they get a second opinion. Canaries boss Daniel Farke confirmed that Idah would miss his club’s games tonight and on Saturday and “I think also the international games”.

Any chance of Harry Arter rejoining an injury-hit Irish squad ended when he limped off 23 minutes into a game for Nottingham Forest’s second string yesterday. But there was good news in the Championship as Jason Knight, almost certain to start in Belgrade next week, completed 90 minutes for Derby County as they came from 2-0 down to earn a 2-2 draw at home to Brentford.

Preston’s Alan Browne was sent off after 36 minutes into their 2-0 defeat to Middlesbrough but an automatic suspension means he cannot play for his club at the weekend and will be free to link up with the Irish squad. There was also the bonus for Kenny of midfielder Jayson Molumby getting 45 minutes off the bench for Preston.

Conor Hourihane and Ryan Manning both started for Swansea City in their 3-0 loss away to Bournemouth, who left Irish trio of Shane Long, Mark Travers and Gavin Kilkenny on the bench. James Collins played the final 10 minutes for Luton Town in their win at home to Coventry City.