Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Sports: Keane doubtful for Armenia clash

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • Sports: Keane doubtful for Armenia clash

    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/

Working...
X