What does Brunt blow mean for Northern Ireland?
Thursday, March 3, 2016
Article summary
"A devastating blow" is how Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill described Chris Brunt's cruciate ligament injury. UEFA.com's man in Belfast ponders the repercussions.
Article top media content
Article body
Left-back Chris Brunt will miss out on Northern Ireland's UEFA EURO 2016 campaign after sustaining a cruciate ligament injury on Premier League duty with West Brom.
Capped 54 times – including eight in qualifying for this summer's final tournament – the 31-year-old underwent surgery in France today after being injured during a league game against Crystal Palace on 27 February. He is expected to be out of action for around six months.
"It's a big blow for Chris and everyone is feeling for him right now," said his club coach Tony Pulis. "It will be disappointing for us not to have him for the rest of the season because he is a terrific player who gives the team great balance. But obviously it is made even more cruel because it has denied him a career highlight with Northern Ireland this summer."
Reporter's view: Darren Fullerton, Belfast
Brunt, one of only seven Premier League players in Michael O'Neill's squad, featured predominantly at left-back during qualifying. However, his versatility means he has also played as a winger and a midfielder.
His experience will be sorely missed by O'Neill, who said: "It's a devastating blow for Chris. To play at international level for as long as he has and then miss out on the finals is heart-breaking."
Millwall's Shane Ferguson is a potential replacement on the left side of defence. Ferguson and Stuart Dallas of Leeds, meanwhile, are possible contenders to fill the void higher up the pitch should O'Neill opt for a 3-5-2 formation in France.
