James McClean is facing a nervy fitness battle ahead of Ireland's UEFA Nations League double-header next month.
The Stoke winger broke his wrist in a training session before Ireland's game with Wales two weeks ago and was ruled out for six weeks.
That timeline would keep him out of the games against Denmark and Wales on 13 and 16 October.
However, the 29-year-old is hopeful of returning to play sooner than that.
"It's just frustrating but I can't wait to get back playing as quick as possible," McClean told eir Sport.
"They say six weeks but I'm hoping for a lot quicker. I'm 10-11 days post-surgery so we're getting there. I start training [Monday], non-contact."
The Derry man is a regular in Martin O'Neill's side and was Ireland's best player in the World Cup 2018 qualifying campaign.
He also revealed how the injury occurred.
"It was an everyday fall," he said of a collision with team-mate Stephen Ward.
"I fell heavily and I knew straight away because I heard the crack and my hand was kind of flopping.
"The legs are working perfect but it's the hand [that isn't]."
Stoke's last game before the international window is away to Norwich on 6 October.
