Swiss star Yakin likely to miss Ireland game

Star Switzerland midfielder Hakan Yakin is a doubt for next week's crucial Euro 2004 qualifier against the Republic of Ireland…

Star Switzerland midfielder Hakan Yakin is a doubt for next week's crucial Euro 2004 qualifier against the Republic of Ireland after picking up an ankle injury.

Yakin was substituted at half-time in Basel's 3-1 win away to Neuchatel Xamax in the Swiss League on Thursday and has since had his ankle heavily strapped following treatment.

He will not be fit for Basel's game with Wil tomorrow and is likely to be ruled out of the Swiss squad, which is due to meet on Tuesday.

Yakin's doctor, Heinz Buehlmann, was quoted in the Swiss media as saying the player had only a 30 per cent chance of facing Brian Kerr's men next Saturday.