Keane out of Republic's World Cup clash

14 April 2012

Robbie Keane has been ruled out of the Republic of Ireland's World Cup qualifier against the Faroe Islands on Wednesday.

The Tottenham striker injured his shoulder in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Israel at Lansdowne Road.

Manager Brian Kerr had hoped Keane could respond to treatment in time to fly to the Faroes this morning but has been forced to accept defeat. Keane suffered tendon and bone bruising after being clipped in the penalty area by Ariel Benado in the third minute of the Group Four match.

Right-back Steve Finnan, who missed Saturday's game with a calf problem, has withdrawn from the squad and fellow defender Andy O'Brien is suspended after a red card against Israel.

The Republic threw away a two-goal lead on Saturday but Kerr insists that will not affect his men when they face the Faroes in Torshavn. He said: "We still have a good team and there are still a lot of positive things about the team. We are unbeaten in the group." PHILLIP COCU has returned to the Holland squad for the World Cup qualifier against Finland on Wednesday.

The 34-year-old PSV Eindhoven midfielder missed Saturday's 2-0 win against Romania because of a knee injury.

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