Keane to miss upcoming Irish friendlies

Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane has been ruled out of the upcoming friendly games against England and Georgia due to club commitments with LA Galaxy.

Keane was named in Giovanni Trapattoni’s squad for the end of season friendlies last week but the games fall outside Fifa’s international window and his club have refused to release him.

As a result, Keane — who, according to an FAI statement released last night “very much wanted to travel for the fixtures” — will miss next Wednesday’s glamour Wembley friendly as well as the home game against Georgia four days later.