Ireland wait on Keane

Robbie Keane was today undergoing a scan just three days before the Republic of Ireland’s decisive Euro 2012 qualifier against Armenia.

The 31-year-old striker complained of soreness in his abductor muscle after returning from Andorra during the early hours of this morning following his side’s 2-0 Group B victory.

However, manager Giovanni Trapattoni is confident his captain will be fit for Tuesday night’s showdown with the Armenians, when Ireland need just a point to ensure they secure a play-off berth.

The Italian otherwise had no fresh injury problems, and his squad was boosted today by the arrival of Stoke frontman Jonathan Walters, who withdrew from the squad for the game in Andorra with an ankle problem.

Trapattoni’s only new concern is finding a replacement for left-back Stephen Ward, who picked up his second yellow card last night and will be suspended on Tuesday evening.

However, with Richard Dunne available after serving his own ban, the manager has options with John O’Shea’s renowned versatility one possible solution.

A spokesman later said: "Following a medical update after training, Giovanni Trapattoni has said that Robbie Keane is a strong doubt ahead of Tuesday's match against Armenia."

If Keane does not make it, that could represent a huge blow to Ireland as they attempt to claim the point they need to book a play-off place.

The LA Galaxy frontman is his country’s record international scorer with 51 goals, although he passed up a series of chances to add to his tally last night.

Keane has embarked upon a series of gruelling trans-Atlantic journeys to play for the Republic since heading to the United States, although he insisted earlier this week that he is feeling no ill effects.

One positive for Trapattoni is that his preferred strike-partner for his skipper, Kevin Doyle, looked to be back to his best last night after regaining his match sharpness following a knee problem.