Keane to become new captain

ROBBIE KEANE is set to be unveiled as the new Irish captain, with Shay Given as vice-captain.

The two men are expected to join Steve Staunton at a press conference in Lansdowne Road today, following the squad’s final training session ahead of tomorrow night’s friendly game against Sweden.

Spurs striker Keane, Ireland’s record goalscorer, takes over the captaincy from Kenny Cunningham, who retired from international football at the end of the World Cup campaign last October.

On Sunday night, at the eircom/FAI International Football Awards ceremony, 26-year-old Dubliner Keane won the goal of the year competition for his strike against Israel at Lansdowne Road in the World Cup qualifying game.

Steve Staunton oversaw his first training session as the new manager at Malahide yesterday, with International Football Consultant Bobby Robson, coach Kevin McDonald and goalkeeping coach Alan Kelly also in attendance.

Reading striker Kevin Doyle had a “precautionary” scan on a calf injury but is hopeful of being fit for tomorrow’s game. Goalkeeper Paddy Kenny of Sheffield United has not travelled for the game.

All other squad members are available.