Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has praised his medical team and Prof. Gerry McEntee from the Mater Hospital for their vital work on Shane Duffy's serious injury suffered on Friday night.

The Everton defender underwent emergency surgery at the Mater Hospital after suffering a laceration to his liver following an accidental collision with the Irish Amateurs team's goalkeeper Adrian Walsh during the senior squad's training match at Gannon Park.

Described as a ‘freak accident', the 18-year-old firstly received on-pitch attention from Ireland team doctor Alan Byrne before being rushed to Mater Hospital by ambulance.

Upon arrival, he was immediately operated on by Prof. Gerry McEntee and his specialist crash team after which he spent a period of time in Intensive care.

When Duffy's condition stabilised, he was transferred to the High Dependency ward and is this morning conscious and able to sip water.

Trapattoni was accompanied at this morning's press briefing by Dr. Alan Byrne and team consultant Prof. John O'Byrne, where an update on Duffy's condition was delivered.

"I would like to thank Dr. Alan Byrne and Prof. John O'Byrne for their quick reaction to Shane's serious injury," said Trap.

"As time was critical, had they not acted as they did, Shane's life could have been in more danger than it already was.

"On behalf of the FAI, I would also like to praise Prof. Gerry McEntee for conducting the emergency operation and ensuring that Shane was given the best possible attention."

It was explained that the extent of the internal bleeding suffered by Duffy from the injury led to his blood pressure dropping to dangerously low levels twice while on the operating table. Once this was controlled by the surgeon, the operation ended successfully and Duffy is expected to make a full recovery.

Trapattoni departed Richmond Park early last night, where he was watching the Airtricitiy League game between St. Patrick's Athletic and Bohemians, for the Mater Hospital and remained there until Shane's condition stabilised. The medical team of Shane's club, Everton, flew into Dublin this morning to visit him in Hospital.

"Shane is very lucky and we wish him a speedy recovery," concluded Trap.