Keane ‘comfortable’ with Ireland depth despite injury concerns

Both players trained on a separate pitch with team doctors, and, while Keane claims that they will be given every opportunity to prove their fitness before the game, the former Manchester United captain also said that he is “comfortable” with the potential replacements.

Republic of Ireland assistant manager Roy Keane expects Robbie Keane to be ready to face Germany despite his late arrival with the squad.

Keane was in top form today.

“I think we’re a stronger team now as with any campaign – we were settling in at the start, we were new to the job”. The Irish are four points ahead of the Scots, who face Group D’s second-placed side Poland in Glasgow on Thursday. It’s a big game, we are playing quality opposition.

The Republic have a series of selection headaches with the midfielders Glenn Whelan and James McClean suspended and the full-back Séamus Coleman, the central defender Marc Wilson and the playmaker Wes Hoolahan carrying knocks.

It’s a growing injury list for Keane and manager Martin O’Neill to stress over.

He later posted a message that the couple had been left “overwhelmed by the amount of well wishes we received since announcing the baby news”, describing his older son’s reaction as “pure innocence from a very excited, slightly confused 6-year-old”.

“If Shane starts I’m sure he’ll give us a lot”, said Keane.

A win for Ireland would more or less end Scotland’s hopes of qualifying.