Keane 'irreplaceable' - Voller

Germany coach Rudi Voller believes Ireland have suffered a massive blow to their World Cup hopes following the axing of captain Roy Keane.

The two teams meet in a Group E clash in Ibaraki on June 5, and Voller sees Keane’s departure as a boost to Germany’s hopes of qualifying for the second stage.

The Manchester United midfielder was sent home from Saipan after a furious row with Republic boss Mick McCarthy over the preparations for the World Cup.

Voller said: ‘‘I don’t know what happened exactly between Mick McCarthy and Roy Keane, so I am not in a position to judge if it was right or wrong to send him home.

‘‘It is an enormous weakening of the Irish team because Keane is the head of the team and he is irreplaceable.’’