ood game again.Zach Merrett was outstanding for the Bombers with 34 possessi

Chris Brunt has opened up to Sky Sports News HQ about his devastation at missing Euro 2016 because of a serious knee injury. Daniel Robertson Rays Jersey . The Northern Ireland and West Brom midfielder has revealed how he broke down in tears as he told family members the news that his European dream was over.Brunt ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament during West Broms 3-2 win against Crystal Palace and speaking at The Belfry, he described the moment a call from the West Brom doctor confirmed his worst fears. The scans the next day revealed it all and I was in a bad place on that Sunday afternoon, said Brunt, who was at home when the call came. Chris Brunt (left) opens up to Sky Sports News HQ reporter Paul Gilmour It was gutting. My wife was out and I phoned her but I had to hang up. I then phoned my mum and dad and ended up hanging up on them as well. It was just too emotional. Im pretty laid back and things dont tend to get to me, but that was tough to take.The blow is extremely unfair given senior Northern Ireland players, of which Brunt is one, view Euro 2016 as a once-in-a-lifetime reward following years of failed qualifying attempts. Brunt will have to watch his Northern Ireland team-mates this summer in France He added: Weve worked so hard. The games we qualified were great occasions. A few months down the line, things begin to build up [to the tournament]. Id booked for the family to come over to watch.There were the friendlies in March to look forward to and it has all been taken away with one innocuous moment. Im devastated about the games in the summer but its one of those things. Ill get my head down and get back as quick as possible.The 31-year old made his international debut 12 years ago, and in another cruel twist his operation took place in Lyon, just miles from Northern Irelands training base for the tournament. Manager Michael ONeill, attending a UEFA workshop in Paris, visited him in hospital. Brunt suffered his injury against Crystal Palace in February It was a bright point in a bad day, added Brunt. He said that whatever way Id like to be involved they would make it happen. Itll depend on rehab schedules at West Brom.Obviously I cant play in the games but Id like to go and experience it in some shape or form and support the lads who have supported me.The injury occurred during a game in which West Brom fans visibly backed Brunt after he was struck by a coin, thrown from a section of his own support, the previous Saturday in an FA Cup tie at Reading. Brunt was struck by a coin thrown from a section of his own support against Reading It was a pretty good week, he joked. Thats done and dusted now. It was a strange one to be involved in, experiencing two sets of emotions - from anger to disappointment [in the space of seven days].In 10 to 20 years time, its one Ill look back on as a week Ill not want to remember.He was, however, full of praise for Albion supporters who raised money for his chosen charities in the aftermath of the coin incident. West Brom fans hold up a banner in support of Brunt It was a great gesture, a lovely gesture, he added. It wasnt something Id want to happen in the circumstances but at least something good came of it and it was great to get their support.He has also praised the clubs medical staff and the many well wishers for their messages. Brunt may now consider what impact this setback will have on his international career as he prepares to fully focus on club football in the coming years. Relive Northern Irelands journey through the European Qualifiers Also See: ONeill signs new NI deal Brunt out of Euro 2016 N Ireland fixtures Euro 2016 wallchart Brent Honeywell Rays Jersey . "Hes going to have hip surgery on Jan. 7, and hell be expected to rehabilitate for four to six months beyond that," Canucks general manager Mike Gillis said Friday in an interview. Brandon Lowe Jersey . Once again Jordan Cieciwa (@FitCityJordan) and I (@LynchOnSports) go head to head in our picks. Last weekend at UFC Fight Night 32 my #TeamLynch got the best of #TeamJC by a score of 9-6. Let us know which side youre on for UFC 167 use the hashtag #TeamLynch or #TeamJC on Twitter. https://www.cheapraysonline.com/1066i-ya...ersey-rays.html . Louis Blues. Shane Hnidy joins Brian Munz for the broadcast on TSN 1290 Radio at 7pm ct. Brett Deledio was hurt, Richmond were rattled and Dustin Martin went into beast mode as the Tigers escaped with a 19-point win against Essendon at the MCG.The brave Bombers trailed by one point on Saturday with just under 10 minutes left but Damien Hardwicks men steadied to kick the last three goals to win their seventh game of the season, 16.6 (102) to 11.17 (83).Martin put in another eye-catching display with 43 possessions, 14 clearances and two goals, strengthening his position in the Brownlow Medal race.Deledio, who has a history of calf and achilles issues, left the game at halftime after suffering tightness in his right calf, sparking fears he might have played his last game of the year.Well get some scans during the week but hes a valuable player and were not going to put him out there if theres a question mark over him, Hardwick said.Well see how that one pulls up.Im not too sure (about his season). We dont want to make that call now - well wait for Bretts assessment and the medical guys will talk through that.But it was only tightness ... there was no incident as such.Coming off a spirited loss to St Kilda, Essendons pressure was immense early.Richmond were rattled as Essendon jumped out to a 19-point lead, but Trent Cotchin, Deledio and Martin steadied the ship and a brilliant Sam Lloyd dribbled goal helped their siide regain momentum. Ryan Yarbrough Rays Jersey. The Tigers kicked six unanswered goals, but couldnt shake the persistent Dons after that in front of 44,908 fans.Cotchin impressed with 35 disposals, as did Ben Griffiths with 12 marks and three goals, but Martins typically bullocking display was the key factor.When he hunts that contested ball, hes so hard, hes so dynamic in that part of his game ... when he plays in that beast-mode mentality, hes really hard to stop, Hardwick said.Hes such a valuable player ... hes one of those guys who can get in and out of traffic.Essendon did a pretty good job of smashing into him, but Dusty eventually sees off most guys ... it was a good game again.Zach Merrett was outstanding for the Bombers with 34 possessions and Orazio Fantasia was their liveliest forward with three goals, but John Worsfold was again left to rue poor goalkicking.Really, I think we dominated the inside-50 count. It was just scoring opportunities in the last quarter that we didnt make the most of and Richmond managed to, Worsfold said.Thats been a pattern for the last few games ... whether thats fatigue, its hard to pick, but we backed up a gallant effort last week with another big effort off a six-day break. ' ' '