Keane injury huge blow for Kerr

REPUBLIC of Ireland manager Brian Kerr has described the loss of the inspirational Roy Keane for next month’s critical World Cup qualifier against Switzerland as “a blow.”

Man United midfielder Keane broke a metatarsal bone in his left foot following a challenge with Liverpool’s Luis Garcia in Sunday’s goalless draw at Anfield.

It is thought Keane will miss the next eight weeks, ruling him out of Ireland’s last qualifying match in Group Four against the Swiss at Lansdowne Road on October 12.