No Laffing matter - but Kyle ok
By Nigel Gould
Northern Ireland fans breathed a collective sigh of relief last night – after it emerged Kyle Lafferty’s injury was not serious.
And that means the talisman striker could be available for the crunch opener in Nice against Poland.
Big Laff took a knock in training yesterday at a public session in Saint-Georges-de Reneins and eventually limped off.
But manager Michael O’Neill confirmed the injury to his groin was not significant.
He said: “It's fine, it's precautionary, we have no major concerns there.
“It's a little twist, but on examination we don't expect any major issues at all.
“We're just being careful, we're more concerned about the thunder and lightning, to be honest!''
Confirming it was a groin problem, O'Neill added: “He just twisted it a little bit there when he slipped, the pitch is hard. Those little situations are always liable to happen, no major concerns there at all.''
Around 500 locals were present to see the Group C team prepare for Sunday's clash in the French sunshine just north of Lyon and many spectators in the stands were waving green flags.