Dunne, Kavanagh, Holland in for Ireland

Striker Robbie Keane has withdrawn from the Republic of Ireland squad to face Italy on Wednesday with an ankle injury.

Keane picked up the injury in training on Friday and missed Spurs’ 2-0 win over Portsmouth on Saturday.

“It’s not too serious,” said Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr. “I knew from Friday that he might be out but Spurs were disappointed he couldn’t play [on Saturday] after his ankle swelled up.

“Robbie felt if he had another few days he could have played but I can understand Spurs not wanting him to play.”

While Keane has withdrawn, Richard Dunne, Graham Kavanagh and Matt Holland have all joined the squad despite being left out of their respective club games over the weekend.

All three were absent as they were deemed short of match fitness after missing parts of pre-season training through injury.

However, all three can expect some action against the Italians at Lansdowne Road with Manchester City manager Stuart Pearce happy for Dunne to take part.

“I knew from talking to Richard that he felt fine but the fact that he hadn’t trained with the team in the last days meant he wasn’t used in the league,” added Kerr. "But Stuart (Pearce) is anxious that he gets plenty of football and I told him he’d get plenty of football with us.

“It’s the same situation if Graham Kavanagh is going to be fit. Mattie Holland had a bit of a problem with his shoulder a couple of weeks ago and didn’t play for Charlton and we’ll give him action too.”