Ireland’s Euro 2016 hopes given quadruple fitness boost

Now we're ruddy well talking.

Mark Hughes faced the press this afternoon and delivered four great injury updates, from an Irish point of view at least. From a Stoke City perspective, the updates were nothing to get too excited about. First off, Marc Wilson's season is over. The defender, and occasional midfielder, injured his knee back in January and Hughes feels it has not settled down in time for league action. However, 'Sparky' says Wilson should be fine to hook up with Ireland for the friendlies against The Netherlands and Belarus at the end of the month. Shay Given, who limped out of the 4-1 tonking by Manchester City, may return for the final game of the season. The veteran stopper's groin injury is gradually alleviating. "He will be fit and available and well, if Ireland want him," said Hughes. Last but never least, Jon Walters is set for a start against Crystal Palace. Hughes said:  

"Jon wanted to be back before the end of the season. Not least because he wanted to help us and be a part of what we wanted to achieve. "But a big part of the year he has had and the success he has had is linked to the Irish squad. He wants to travel and there is no reason why he shouldn't."

That's it Ireland, put away the rosary beads. If we could just find the right type of cellophane to look after Seamus Coleman's hamstring we'd be flying.