Robbie out, Del Piero in for friendly

ROBBIE KEANE is out and Alessandro Del Piero is back. These were the two key points to emerge yesterday as the Republic of Ireland and Italy began their preparations ahead of Wednesday’s international at Lansdowne Road.

As the bulk of the Irish squad gathered in Malahide for training, manager Brian Kerr confirmed that Spurs striker Keane would miss the game.

“His injury is not too serious,” said Kerr. “I knew since Friday when Chris (Hughton) told me that he’d twisted his ankle in training. It was swollen on Saturday but when I talked to Robbie he said he felt that if he’d had another few days he would have been able to play. But I can understand Spurs not wanting him to play.”