Seamus Coleman prepares to miss Ireland’s Euro playoffs in Slovakia, confirmed by bad news from a morning scan of Stephen Kenny on his hamstring.

The loss of the captain was a major setback for Kenny, with Donegal referring to the extraordinary level of man’s performance in recent weeks.

The Ireland manager feared the worst when his international team-mate Aaron Connolly was in tragedy during yesterday’s clash with Brighton.

Kenny received a negative prediction call just before his first press conference of the week.

Kenny, who also missed Blackburn defender Darag Lenihan, said he was skeptical of Nottingham Forest midfielder Harry Arter’s well-being.

“This is not big news for Seamus. Scan revealed that he’s almost out, so we’re late (for the press conference), it was not unexpected.

“He’s disappointed. He loves his country, he loves to play for his country. He’s a very passionate Irishman. He knows this is an important game. He does not want to lose it.”

In the Coleman v. Matt Doherty discussion, Kenny rejected the suggestion that the high injury problem would solve a crisis for him.

The Spurs player was cleared last month but will have to go through a game without escaping Manchester United. He pointed out that the possibility of choosing both does not precisely rule out the equation.

“You will never have good enough players,” he said.

“You don’t have that problem in every position. This is an issue we want. There was strong consideration to consider both on the team, for sure, but it’s not available right now.”

Kenny said the Bristol City winger has been sticking to his plan for a long time. O’Dowa has not played since suffering a lumbar injury after losing to Finland.

Burnley ‘s Kevin Long has been called in to replace Lennyhan, and Coleman is likely to be replaced by an additional team.

The manager confirmed that other players would have to take responsibility, but said he was not concerned about their attributes in the area.

I have no problem with the morale and courage of the players, they are proud Irish players and playing for the national team is the pinnacle of their career, ”he said.

“I see taking responsibility, but I see leadership in the group. I don’t see that as a factor. Most of the players are between the ages of 28-32 and we have a lot of experience.

“I do not see leadership as an issue, but we have to take responsibility in various departments. This is very important in the game. I see we have a lot of talent out there.

Kenny reiterated his promise that his team would take a positive approach in Slovakia, predicting a strategic war because their opponents would also control possession.

He was asked directly if there was a temptation to go with the ‘horses for courses’ approach.

“No,” he replied, “I know what you mean, your team has to adapt to certain circumstances, I agree with that, but we will approach the game in a good mood.”

“We’m not likely to be careful, I say.”

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