Robbie Keane and wife Claudine announce birth of second child

Roy Keane delivered a typically “Roy Keane” response to one reporter today when asked about the availability of the Republic of Ireland striker, Robbie Keane.

Robbie Keane became a father for the second time on Monday, but the Ireland assistant manager Roy Keane insists his country’s record goalscorer will be ready for the key match with Germany on Thursday.

However, they are equally aware that should Scotland, who now trail them by four points, beat both the Poles and Gibraltar in their final qualifiers, even creditable draws against Germany and Poland will see them miss out on next year’s finals in France.

So there we have it – it appears that only the magical miracle of a male pregnancy can excuse a player from the big match.

He said: “I think we are a stronger team”.

Robert was only thrilled to learn he was going to have sibling in his life with Claudine and Robbie announced the news to him last July.

Cyrus Christie, who could yet deputise for the hamstring victim Coleman, did train at Abbotstown on Tuesday morning but the management team will keep their collective fingers crossed as they await news on their walking wounded.

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

“If Shane starts I’m sure he’ll give us a lot”, said Keane. What more can you do? “But I think we are as well. That’s life, you move on”.