Keane out as Irish injury list mounts
Yesterday, striker and captain Robbie Keane, suffering from a thigh strain, was added to an injury list which also includes Richard Dunne (hamstring) and Shay Given (back).
Terry Dixon (Spurs), Stephen Ireland (Manchester City) and Alan Lee (Ipswich Town) have also withdrawn from the squad, forcing Staunton to call up Jonathan Douglas, the Blackburn Rovers player who was on loan to Leeds United last season, and Daryl Murphy, the former Waterford United striker who has been one of the few bright lights in Sunderland’s otherwise gloomy start to the season.
Staunton may yet call on further back-up for his depleted squad, especially in defence where he now has only one recognised centre-half in Andy O’ Brien.
And with both his captain Keane and vice captain Given missing, he will also have to find another skipper for Wednesday night.
Meanwhile, it has also been confirmed that Staunton’s advisor Bobby Robson, still resting after his latest health scare, won’t be able to travel to Dublin for Wednesday’s game.
International managers generally do their best to put a brave face on withdrawals from their squad but last night Staunton was making little attempt to disguise his disappointment.
“It’s far from ideal to lose so many,” he said. “As a result, we are without some of our leading players and with this being the final opportunity to test ourselves prior to the start of the European Qualifying campaign, that’s very disappointing.
“From game to game you can never be sure who will be fit and available — but that’s international football.
Other lads will get their chance to shine and the positives are that we have some very good, young and talented players who will benefit from the opportunity.”
The Irish squad were guests yesterday for the football and hurling double-header at Croke Park, giving them a taste of the atmosphere at what is set to be their home from home in the European Championship qualifiers next year.
But of more immediate concern for Staunton will be how he can maximise the value of next Wednesday’s final warm-up game when some of his key first-choice players are absent.
In contrast to Staunton’s problems, Dutch boss Marco Van Basten has been able to avail of the luxury of leaving out Ruud Van Nistelrooy and Mark Van Bommel from the squad of 18 who are travelling to Dublin. Said Van Basten: “We are now preparing for the qualification for the European Championships in two years’ time and we had to make choices.”
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
