Scans Inconclusive On Laursen

Martin O'Neill will need to assess Laursen's fitness on a match by match basis after scans into his troublesome knee proved inconclusive.

Speaking on the official site O'Neill explained that the barrage of scans he has had recently haven't been exactly clear as to the cause of the problem, which obviously makes treating it slightly arkward.

'Martin missed the game on Saturday against Sunderland. He was fit and wanted to come back for the West Bromwich Albion match.

'He had no problems in the first half. I didn't know at the time - but he was feeling a bit sore in the second half. He didn't mention it - but then again, that's typical Martin.

'He got through the game but has felt pretty uncomfortable since.

'He went for some more scans which, at the moment, are a little bit unclear.

'He is certainly frustrated, of course, because he was doing so brilliantly.

'Considering his own injury history, he was going along nicely. Now there is a bit of frustration setting in.

'We will see - we are going to try and manage it. We are not exactly sure at this moment of what his position is.

'We will try and get him pain-free for the games and see if he is comfortable with that. We will take it on from there.

'Obviously we miss him because he has been such a big player for us.'

Fingers crossed it's simply soreness due to rushing back a match or two too earlier. He's been a rock for us this season and it'll be a bitter blow to both us and him if he has to have any extensive stretch on the sidelines again.

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