• International football

Keane ruled out of Austria clash

ESPN staff
March 24, 2013
Giovanni Trapattoni had hoped his captain would be fit to lead the Irish against Austria © PA Photos
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Robbie Keane has been ruled out of Republic of Ireland's World Cup qualifier against Austria on Tuesday with a calf strain, the Football Association of Ireland has announced.

Keane had been awaiting the results of a scan on his calf, an injury picked up during the goalless draw with Sweden on Friday night, and did not join in training in Malahide on Sunday morning.

Wolves striker Kevin Doyle has been called up to replace him.

Meanwhile, John O'Shea insists the constant speculation over Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni's future does not affect the players. The 74-year-old Italian went into the double-header against Sweden and Austria amid claims that defeat in Stockholm could not only end his side's hopes of reaching the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, but also signal the end of his reign.

Former Reading manager Brian McDermott has been linked as a potential successor but O'Shea has shrugged off the chances of it distracting from Tuesday night's game.

"Not in terms of in our minds," he said. "It's very clear for us: he is the manager who is trying to get us to the World Cup. It's fairly straightforward, to be honest."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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