JON Walters could play some part in the Republic of Ireland’s Euro 2016 Group E opener against Sweden on Monday night after joining in training in Versailles today.
The Stoke City frontman, who can operate as a striker or on the right wing, has been struggling with an Achilles injury but worked with the squad at Stade de Montbauron.
Assistant-manager Roy Keane confirmed: “Jon trained today. He got through the session start to finish and we'll obviously see over the next 24 hours if there is any sort of reaction.
“I always think you get feedback from the players in these situations, but if they train one or two days before the match, if they cross that line, then they’re fit, simple as that.
“I think we have to worry about the game on Monday then worry about the other games afterwards."
"I'm pretty sure we'll enjoy it more if we get the right results." #COYBIGhttps://t.co/YjWvMytilJ — FAIreland (@FAIreland) June 11, 2016
Keane described working with the Republic of Ireland as “a brilliant job” and said he “didn’t really hesitate” to agree to a two-year contract extension earlier this week.
Keane and manager Martin O’Neill will take Ireland through the World Cup 2018 qualifying campaign which begins with a trip to Serbia on September 5.
“I said all along that I had to wait to see that the manager’s plans were,” said Keane.
“Things fell into place over the last few days, that he was going to stay on, he wanted me to be part of it and I didn’t really hesitate.
“The club stuff...I’m 44 years and I am keen to get back into it but there’s plenty of time for that. I said short term, I meant in the next few years, not the next few weeks. “It’s been enjoyable. It’s been tough but happy to be staying on for another two years.
“Working with the Irish senior team is a pretty good job; in fact it’s a brilliant job; I really enjoy it.
“There have been other offers while I’ve been in the job but nothing that’s rocked my boat for me to leave the Ireland job..”
