West Bromwich Albion captain Darren Fletcher is keeping his fingers crossed that Chris Brunt’s recent injury will not force him to miss Euro 2016.
The Northern Ireland international, who has 54 caps for the national team, was stretchered off just before half time in Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace after falling awkwardly.
It is still unclear how bad the injury is but initial reports are suggesting the midfielder, who can also slot in at left-back, has sustained ligament damage to his knee.
This would almost certainly rule the 31-year-old out for the remainder of the campaign and there are serious worries over his availability for Euro 2016 in France this summer.
Brunt’s absence would be a huge blow for both club and country but Fletcher, who joined the Baggies last year from Manchester United, is hoping the injury is not as bad as first thought.
Fletcher said: “We just hope that the scan proves he’s back for us soon and ready for Northern Ireland in the Euros as well.”
Belfast-born star Brunt has been a regular fixture for West Brom this season, having made 22 Premier League appearances, while he also played eight games for his country in qualifying for Euro 2016.
Northern Ireland, who are the joint outsiders with Albania at 501.00 to win Euro 2016 this summer, have been drawn against 2014 World Cup winners Germany, Poland and the Ukraine.
It is a big ask for the Green and White Army to make it past their group and Michael O’Neill’s men are priced at 3.00 to qualify for the first knock-out stage of the competition.
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