EOIN Toal has pulled out of the Northern Ireland squad for upcoming friendlies against Switzerland and Sweden because of injury.
Michael O’Neill confirmed today that the defender has returned to Wanderers and that he has been replaced in the squad by Motherwell’s Kofi Balmer.
Bolton have not yet made any comment on the nature of the injury or how long it could keep him out of action but the news is likely to come as a concern heading into the final nine games of the season and with a play-off place still within reach.
Toal’s season has been blighted by injury problems, restricting him to just 20 starts in all competitions to date. Between the end of November and the start of February he was able to start just once, at Lincoln City, because of a tear in his hamstring.
The 26-year-old had been in Schumacher’s line-up for the last four games, however, and Bolton fans will now be keeping their fingers crossed that the injury does not prove a significant one.
Speaking earlier today, O’Neill confirmed that there would be changes in his squad, with the uncapped Balmer taking Toal’s place.
“We are naturally disappointed for Eoin to withdraw so early on in the camp, however I am confident that Kofi can come in and make an impact,” he added.
Luke Southwood remains in the Northern Ireland squad which will face Switzerland at Windsor Park on Friday, March 21 (7.45pm) before travelling to play Sweden at the Strawberry Arena in Stockholm on Tuesday, March 25 (6pm).
