Republic of Ireland midfielder Jeff Hendrick undergoes scan ahead of crucial Serbia encounter

• e-mail

Jeff Hendrick underwent a scan on Monday morning as Republic of Ireland boss Martin O'Neil held his breath ahead of a crunch World Cup qualifier against Serbia.

The Burnley midfielder, who missed Saturday's 1-1 draw in Georgia with a thigh problem, worked with Ireland's medical team on Sunday to assess his injury, and was then sent for further checks.

O'Neill had hoped to have Hendrick, one of his star men at last summer's Euro 2016 finals, available for a game which could go a long way towards determining Ireland's qualification hopes, and it remains to be seen whether he can play any part at the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday night. 

Jeff Hendrick had a scan on his thigh on Monday ahead of Republic of Ireland's Serbia game

The rest of the squad trained at Abbotstown on Monday knowing defeat is not an option and perhaps victory will allow them to continue to dream of automatic qualification with the Serbians now two points clear at the top of Group D.

Victory in what could be the decisive fixture for top spot in group D would see O'Neill's team leap frog their opponents into first, one point clear and with just two games to play.

Not only will a win see Ireland top, but it will also put a Serbian bridge between themselves and qualification rivals Wales, who were took a huge step towards World Cup salvation following their 1-0 win over Austria on Saturday. 

O'Neill will also be hoping to see the return of Skipper Seamus Coleman, who is closing in on a return from the double leg fracture he suffered in March, as he watched his team-mates secure a solitary point in Georgia from the sidelines. 

Victory over Serbia will see Martin O'Neill's side top Group D with two games to play