Saturday 19 August 2017 21:58, UK
Preston defender Greg Cunningham will be out for "an extended period" after surgery to repair a damaged knee.
Cunningham suffered the unspecified injury during Tuesday's Championship game against Derby - 24 hours after he was named in the latest Republic of Ireland squad.
And the 26-year-old, who started 40 league games last season, faces a lengthy rehabilitation.
Preston boss Alex Neil told the club website: "It is a real blow for the player, who deservedly had just returned to the Irish squad after an excellent start to the season.
"As I described him after the game on Tuesday night, Greg is a 'warrior' - as illustrated by the fact he wanted to carry on despite having done the damage that now requires an operation.
"I have no doubt he will be back fitter and stronger before very long and our medical team will work closely with him to get him back with us.
"Whilst we are disappointed to lose Greg, this gives other players in the squad an opportunity to show what they are capable of and we look forward to seeing them compete for a starting shirt in his absence."
