Keane a major doubt for WC qualifiers

Ireland and Tottenham striker Robbie Keane is a seious doubt for Ireland's World Cup qualifiers against Cyprus and Switzerland after picking up a ligament injury.

Ireland and Tottenham striker Robbie Keane is a serious doubt for Ireland's World Cup qualifiers against Cyprus and Switzerland after picking up a ligament injury.

The striker is set to miss the opening six weeks of the season after scans revealed severe ligament damage in his right ankle.

The Republic of Ireland striker, who will also miss the international friendly against Bulgaria four days later was taken off on a stretcher after only 28 minutes of Wednesday night’s tough friendly against Rangers in Glasgow.

He stayed down after a block-tackle by Rangers defender Marvin Andrews and later had a brace fitted to his right leg.

He told Tottenham’s official website www.spursfc.co.uk today: “It is very frustrating. You go through pre-season matches to get your fitness up for the season and then something like this happens.

“But I’m not going to get too down about it. I’m going to keep myself ticking over. I’m a quick healer normally and so hopefully I’ll be back before too long.”

Former Inter Milan and Leeds star Keane reported to Spurs’ training ground yesterday on crutches and the club’s head of medical services Dr Charlotte Cowie said: “It looks mainly like ligament damage. He is having a scan this afternoon. We will get the results later tonight and then we will know more about how long he might be out for.”

Keane’s injury is another big setback, however, for Santini who has had to rule out Wales winger Simon Davies for a month after a shin operation and full back Stephen Kelly with ankle damage.

Midfielder Michael Brown has also been struggling with a knee problem but the blow to Keane, whom the Frenchman soon identified as one of Tottenham’s key men, is by far the worst.