Wigan Athletic are hopeful that James McClean's season is not over after the Republic of Ireland international was sidelined with a knee injury.
The 32-year-old sustained the problem after the Latics' 1-1 draw with Bolton Wanderers on Saturday, resulting in him being an absentee for Tuesday's 3-0 League One victory over Accrington Stanley.
Derry native McClean won his 89th and 90th Irish senior caps against Belgium and Lithuania at the end of March and with Ireland returning to international action in June, including UEFA Nations League fixtures, there had been concerns that McClean might not be available for Stephen Kenny's squad amid fears that the injury would mean a longer term lay-off, potentially for a number of months.
But speaking after the win over Accrington, Wigan manager Leam Richardson suggested that McClean is set to be out for weeks rather than months and could return before the end of the League One season.
"With James, it's probably better news than we thought. It was first reported that it was going to be 9-12 months, but it’s now going to be a number of weeks - which is more positive," he said.
"He’ll work tirelessly hard to try and make some portion of the season."
The League One campaign is due to end on 30 April followed by promotion play-offs. Wigan currently top the third tier.
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