Stephen Ward is struggling to overcome an ankle injury sustained against Italy and did not train with the squad today in Versailles.

O'Neill explained to reporters yesterday that the ankle was swollen but that the Burnley left-back was desperate to play a part in the team's last 16 clash with France having play an important role during Ireland's 1-0 victory over Italy in Lille on Wednesday night.

Jon Walters, who injured his achilles in the opening minutes of Ireland's first game with Sweden but struggled through, missed games against Belgium and Italy but returned to training and did some work with his teammates as a welcome and timely boost to Martin O'Neill's plans.

Walters looking good during #IRL training, no Stephen Ward, has ankle injury. More on @tv3NewsIreland shortly pic.twitter.com/D1JCZxwjMR

— Paul Walsh (@paulwalshtv3) June 24, 2016