Seamus Coleman suffers horror leg break as Ireland and Wales play out stalemate

Seamus Coleman suffered a nasty injury and Wales’ Neil Taylor was shown a straight red card as the Republic of Ireland and Wales played out a goalless draw in Dublin.

The injury, which came midway through the second half, drew immediate concern from both sets of players, with Shane Long immediately going to console his team-mate as Coleman received treatment from the Irish medical staff.

The challenge came minutes after Gareth Bale had been shown a yellow card for a late challenge of his own and that booking will rule him out of the game against Serbia, a match that is crucial for the Welsh now.

For most of the game it was Bale who looked as if he would break the deadlock. The Real Madrid man was everywhere and kept trying clever passes or ambitious shots. However it didn't quite come off for him, perhaps suggesting that he isn't still fully match fit following a long lay-off.

After Coleman's injury and Taylor's red card, Ireland took control and started to pepper the Wales penalty area with as much pressure as they could muster.

Ultimately though Wayne Hennessey wasn't forced to make a big save - indeed the Welsh keeper caused the biggest moment of panic when he dropped the ball under no pressure, although fortunately for him Ashley Williams was on hand to clear.

Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill: "He's a fantastic player and character," said O'Neill on Sky Sports. "It's a major blow for the lad, his club and us.

"Apparently it wasn't the best challenge in the world.I haven't seen it. He's gone to hospital. I saw his reaction immediately and it didn't look good.

"He was holding his leg up and it didn't look good. At the end of it all, the most important thing is Seamus' health."

Wales manager Chris Coleman: "First and foremost, the most important thing is Seamus Coleman.

"We are told that it is not so good, which we are sorry for.

"Neil Taylor is not really that type of player, but it's a tough one for Seamus. Our thoughts are with him. I have not seen it again."

How big a loss is Seamus Coleman for Everton and Ireland? The answer to this is massive, absolutely massive. Coleman is an extremely unique player in the way he gets up and down his flank. Of course it's the way of the modern full-back but Coleman has been doing it for years and he's one of the best around at it. It's more than that as well though; the desire, hunger and energy that he brings to his team is hard to match. We wish him a speedy recovery.

James McClean (Republic of Ireland): For most of the game Bale was the spark in an otherwise terrible match but in the second-half McClean really came into his own. With Coleman off McClean became the heartbeat of the team and as so many of his team-mates stood around he was haring around all over the pitch, desperately trying to make something happen. He was unlucky not to score on a couple of occasions but he also put in a couple of terrific crosses. In a difficult week for McClean personally with the death of Derry City's Ryan McBride he did himself proud on the pitch.

Ireland: Randolph 5, Coleman 6, Keogh 5, O'Shea 5, Ward 5, Whelan 6, Hendrick 5, Walters 6, Meyler 4, McClean 7, Long 6. Subs: Christie 5, McGeady 5.

Wales: Hennessey 5, Gunter 6, Chester 4, Williams 6, Davies 5, Taylor 3, Ledley 5, Allen 6, Ramsey 5, Bale 7, Robson-Kanu 5. Subs: Vokes 5, Richards 5.

24' - Gareth Bale continues to do Gareth Bale things. He plays a gorgeous pass from deep that Taylor is agonisingly close to.

49' - He's good at football this Bale lad. He drops a shoulder and unleashes a terrific effort with his left. It goes narrowly wide.

53' - There is a person with a trumpet playing. You may think this would be nice and atmospheric. You'd be wrong. It's horrific.

68' - Yellow card for Bale who will now be suspended for the game against Serbia.

69' - RED CARD! NEIL TAYLOR Oh that's horrendous. A real horror challenge from Neil Taylor as he comes in high and late on Coleman. The Everton right-back is still down and he looks in a bad way.

85' - That was close! Bale picks up the ball and goes on a run. He smashes it with his left foot and it goes just wide of the post.