Best laid plans go out the Trap door

Leon Best will definitely sit out the first-leg of the Euro 2012 qualifiers against Estonia as his wife is due to have their first baby.

Best was already a serious injury concern due to toe and groin injuries he suffered against Everton on Saturday, just a day after he finally got the nod from Giovanni Trapattoni.

Now the combination of injuries and a new arrival have meant the in-form Newcastle striker will join the long list of players who will miss the trip to Tallinn.

It is hoped that Best will be back for the return leg in Dublin a week from today but there are no guarantees on that either.

As it is, both Kevin Doyle (suspended) and Shane Long (Huttonicide) will miss the first leg leaving us a bit skimpy when it comes to striking options.

Last night Trap hinted strongly that Stoke’s Jon Walters would start alongside Robbie Keane, with Simon Cox on the bench. We would like to see Trap call in Anthony Stokes just to have another body to hand but it seems we will travel with just three recognised strikers and hope no more misfortune befalls our forward unit.