Republic of Ireland assistant manager Roy Keane expects Robbie Keane to face Germany
Wednesday 7 October 2015 10:20, UK
Republic of Ireland assistant manager Roy Keane expects Robbie Keane to be ready to face Germany despite his late arrival with the squad.
The 35-year-old LA Galaxy striker was not due to arrive in Dublin from the USA until Tuesday evening, after his wife gave birth to the couple's second son in the USA.
Asked if his former team-mate would be available for the crucial European Qualifier with Group D leaders Germany at the Aviva Stadium on Thursday, Roy Keane said:
"Yes, why wouldn't he be? He didn't have the baby. Unless he's breast-feeding, he should be all right."
Striker Keane was part of the team which secured a 1-1 draw with Germany courtesy of John O'Shea's added-time goal in Gelsenkirchen last October.
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A draw in Dublin would keep alive Ireland's slim hopes of securing a play-off berth for next summer's finals, although Keane knows they will have to cope with a Germany side that has won five qualifiers on the bounce following a slow start to their campaign.
"I think we are a stronger team. Like you'd expect with any campaign, teams improve," he added. "We were still new to the job at the time and, yes, I think we are a better team.
He didn't have the baby. Unless he's breast-feeding, he should be all right.
"Germany were a bit sluggish at the start, but with all the qualities they have it was only a matter of time before they started winning matches and topped the group, no doubt. But we will be ready."
Ireland go into a tough double-header - they face second-placed Poland in Warsaw on Sunday evening in their final game - knowing victory in just one of those matches will guarantee at least a third-place finish and a play-off spot.
However, they are equally aware that should Scotland, who currently 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.
O'Neill's number two said: "I've said it before, this is what the players and we are in the game for.
"It's a big game, we are playing quality opposition. This is what it's all about."
Watch the Republic of Ireland's final two European Qualifiers live on Sky Sports. Thursday's game with Germany is on Sky Sports 1 HD from 7pm, while the Poland match is on the same channel at the same time on Sunday.
