Ireland striker Doyle on mend after horror tackle

Ireland striker Kevin Doyle said Saturday that the horrific ankle gash he sustained in Friday's friendly against Switzerland was not as bad as first feared and he would still be fit in time for Euro 2016 in France if selected.

The 32-year-old Colorado Rapids player was stretchered off in agony after falling to the ground following a heavy tackle from Norwich defender Timm Klose.

Doyle later tweeted a graphic photograph of the injury as he prepared to undergo a procedure to clean and stitch the wound at Dublin's Mater Hospital.

He said on Saturday he will be able to resume training and start running once again within a matter of weeks.
Doyle tweeted: "Thanks to the plastic surgeons at the Mater Hospital, leg looks brand new, no serious damage, back jogging in a few weeks."

The injury could hardly have come at a worse time for former Cork City striker, who was starting his first game for Ireland since a 2-0 friendly victory over Oman in September 2014.

He now has 62 caps and has scored 14 goals for his country, but will miss Tuesday night's friendly against Slovakia and another chance to stake a claim for a place in Martin O'Neill's squad for the Euro 2016 finals.
Source: AFP