Coach says loss of Keane should not derail European hopes
The Spurs striker looks certain to miss the crucial Euro 2004 qualifier against Russia next month, after damaging ankle ligaments when he fell awkwardly during the Republic's 2-1 friendly against Australia on Tuesday night.
Spurs manager Glen Hoddle confirmed the news yesterday.
"He [Keane] will be out for at least two weeks and maybe more. It's not as bad as first feared but bad enough. I would think the next three games for Spurs and no international," Hoddle told the club's website.
But O'Reilly who was in Moscow this week for the Russian's international friendly defeat to Israel has not yet ruled Keane out of contention. However he added, his potential loss is one of the hazards of football at this level.
"We will wait and see how he responds to treatment over the next couple of weeks. But we will keep our fingers crossed, that is all we can do. And if he plays, he plays, and if he is missing, then we will jump that fence when we come to it.
"But look, life goes on irrespective of injuries. It is one of the hazards of international football and again it shows the importance of strength and depth in the squad system."
O'Reilly said that the high profile resignation of the Russian boss Valery Gazzayev after the defeat to Israel may not necessarily have positive implications for the Republic ahead of their crucial September tie.
"We don't know the inside situation," O'Reilly said. "On the face of it, the loss of a manager could be considered a crushing blow to morale. But then again, we don't know if he was popular or not with the players.
"Equally it could prove to be a great incentive to the Russians before the Irish game to prove themselves to a new manager. It is hard to say.
"It was a very interesting game to watch. They introduced five players in the second half but their style of play did not change. It was a worthwhile trip."
Meanwhile Russian soccer chiefs rubbed salt into the wounds of Gazzayev, whose resignation was announced yesterday, by fining him for critical remarks he made about referees last week.
Gazzayev, who quit as Russia coach following Wednesday's lacklustre 2-1 home defeat by Israel, also coaches club side CSKA Moscow and was fined 30,000 roubles (€1,000) for an outburst after last week's 2-1 defeat to city rivals Torpedo-Metallurg.
"I have only one explanation for our loss very biased and incompetent officiating," Gazzayev said at the time.
Gazzayev became the first coach in Russia to be fined for his remarks following a 2-2 draw at home to Zenit St Petersburg on July 11.
Earlier in the day Gazzayev resigned after criticising his players for losing at home in a friendly against Israel.
Russian Football Union (RFU) president Vyacheslav Koloskov accepted Gazzayev's resignation.
He denounced an 'unacceptable lack of will' among Russian team players.
The RFU will announce Gazzayev's successor by next Wednesday.
Koloskov said it was 'too early' to discuss names. "I shall discuss and inspect all possible candidates for the post with my RFU colleagues," he said.
"We will also want to know the candidate's opinion on his appointment before we name him," the official said.
Gazzayev was appointed last year after Russia's disappointing performance in the World Cup in Asia where they went out in the first round.
A consistent under-performer in international competitions, the Russians are currently placed third in their Euro 2004 championship group 10 qualifier, with seven points from five matches.
They stand three points behind second-placed Ireland who have played six games. Switzerland top the group with 12 points from six qualifying matches.
Ireland and Russia are to meet on September 6 at Dublin's Lansdowne Road ground.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
