Nathan Collins doubt for Ireland with calf injury

Nathan Collins is a doubt for the Republic of Ireland's opening Nations League fixtures after suffering a calf injury in Brentford's 1-1 draw with Sunderland last weekend.

The Ireland captain was forced off during that game and looks set for a spell on the sidelines. Brentford boss Keith Andrews confirmed the news in his press conference ahead of the Bees' match against Bournemouth.

"No, he won't be involved this side of the international break. Unfortunately, he's picked up a calf injury," Andrews said. "He probably felt it a little bit earlier in the game and tried to play through it, naturally, like he would, given the type of character he is and being one of our leaders and our Captains. So, no, unfortunately he won't be involved."

The extended international break continues with a home game against Austria at the Aviva Stadium on Thursday, 1 October, and closes with a second meeting with Israel at a neutral venue on Sunday, 4 October.