Martin O’Neill has been dealt a blow ahead of Ireland’s World Cup qualifier against Wales with the news that Shane Duffy will miss the game through injury.

Brighton manager Chris Hughton has confirmed Duffy suffered a broken metatarsal in his side’s 3-nil defeat at Nottingham Forest last weekend.

Hughton says the defender will be out for at least six weeks as a result.

Duffy has started Ireland’s last three qualifiers, forming a centre-back partnership with Ciaran Clark which conceded just one goal.

He’s also played a big part in Brighton’s promotion push, and Hughton says it’s a blow for the club.

“He is a big loss, particularly at this stage of the season. And more so for him, he’s had a wonderful season so far for us.”

Ireland face Wales in the Aviva on March 24.