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Mirror.co.uk
Oct 8 2011
Keane doubtful for Armenia clash
Skipper Robbie Keane is a major doubt for the Republic of Ireland's
Euro 2012 qualifier against Armenia on Tuesday evening.
The 31-year-old was sent for a scan after complaining of soreness in
his abductor muscle following his return from Friday night's 2-0
victory in Andorra, although manager Giovanni Trapattoni suggested
that was precautionary. But the Football Association of Ireland on
Saturday evening confirmed that his participation in the game could be
under threat.
A spokesman said: "Following a medical update after training, Giovanni
Trapattoni has said that Robbie Keane is a strong doubt ahead of
Tuesday's match against Armenia."
If Keane does not make it, that will represent a huge blow to
Ireland as they attempt to claim the point they need to book a
play-off place.
The LA Galaxy frontman is his country's record international scorer
with 51 goals, although he passed up a series of chances to add to his
tally on Friday night.
Keane has embarked upon a series of gruelling trans-Atlantic journeys
to play for the Republic since heading to the United States, although
he insisted earlier this week that he is feeling no ill effects.
One positive for Trapattoni is that his preferred strike-partner for
his skipper, Kevin Doyle, looked to be back to his best on Friday
after regaining his match sharpness following a knee problem, while
Jonathan Walters also linked up with the squad on Saturday after
recovering from an ankle injury.
The free-scoring Armenians stand between Trapattoni's Republic and a
place in the play-offs in after Russia effectively ended their hopes
of snatching automatic qualification by beating Slovakia.
Should the Russians beat Andorra in Moscow on Tuesday, even victory
for the Irish will secure only second place in Group B.
Barring a shock of monumental proportions, Trapattoni's men seem
likely to have to be satisfied with yet another play-off adventure,
and a point against Armenia would keep the group's dark horses at bay.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/latest/2011/10/08/keane-doubtful-for-armenia-clash-115875-23475861/
Oct 8 2011
Keane doubtful for Armenia clash
Skipper Robbie Keane is a major doubt for the Republic of Ireland's
Euro 2012 qualifier against Armenia on Tuesday evening.
The 31-year-old was sent for a scan after complaining of soreness in
his abductor muscle following his return from Friday night's 2-0
victory in Andorra, although manager Giovanni Trapattoni suggested
that was precautionary. But the Football Association of Ireland on
Saturday evening confirmed that his participation in the game could be
under threat.
A spokesman said: "Following a medical update after training, Giovanni
Trapattoni has said that Robbie Keane is a strong doubt ahead of
Tuesday's match against Armenia."
If Keane does not make it, that will represent a huge blow to
Ireland as they attempt to claim the point they need to book a
play-off place.
The LA Galaxy frontman is his country's record international scorer
with 51 goals, although he passed up a series of chances to add to his
tally on Friday night.
Keane has embarked upon a series of gruelling trans-Atlantic journeys
to play for the Republic since heading to the United States, although
he insisted earlier this week that he is feeling no ill effects.
One positive for Trapattoni is that his preferred strike-partner for
his skipper, Kevin Doyle, looked to be back to his best on Friday
after regaining his match sharpness following a knee problem, while
Jonathan Walters also linked up with the squad on Saturday after
recovering from an ankle injury.
The free-scoring Armenians stand between Trapattoni's Republic and a
place in the play-offs in after Russia effectively ended their hopes
of snatching automatic qualification by beating Slovakia.
Should the Russians beat Andorra in Moscow on Tuesday, even victory
for the Irish will secure only second place in Group B.
Barring a shock of monumental proportions, Trapattoni's men seem
likely to have to be satisfied with yet another play-off adventure,
and a point against Armenia would keep the group's dark horses at bay.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/latest/2011/10/08/keane-doubtful-for-armenia-clash-115875-23475861/