Shane Duffy says he hopes his injury "isn't too bad" after he was replaced during Brighton's 1-1 draw with Everton on Sunday.
The in-form defender limped off in the second half - a worrying sight ahead of the World Cup playoffs next month.
The Derry native says he should be fine though. He told BBC Sport:
"I felt a little pain my groin, and it was probably too sore at the time to continue and I didn't want to make the team any worse because, if I played on, I couldn't play to my full potential.
"The physio just said, 'come off in case you make it worse'.
Disappointing not to hold on to all 3 points but up against a very good Everton team which will come good. Hoping injury ain’t too bad with my groin. Great too play against Everton for the first time since leaving great club! #bhafc 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/K5O75lrcfK
— Shane Duffy (@shaneduffy) October 15, 2017
"I just felt a tight pull. Hopefully, touch wood, it's not too serious and in a couple of days it will calm down. I'll try my best to get available for Friday."
Ireland will face either Italy, Denmark, Croatia or Switzerland in the play-offs. The draw will take place on Tuesday with matches taking place between November 9th and 14th.
