Keane out of Ireland squad

Stokes drafted in to replace injured skipper

By Ben Collins   Last updated: 1st March 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Keane out of Ireland squad

Keane: Ruled out

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

Robbie Keane has pulled out of the Republic of Ireland squad for Tuesday's friendly against Brazil.

The Football Association of Ireland has confirmed that the Ireland captain is unable to take part in the match at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium due to a knee injury.

The Tottenham striker, who is currently on loan at Celtic, was doubtful for Sunday's Old Firm clash with Rangers.

And although the 29-year-old was passed fit, he aggravated the injury in the 1-0 defeat at Ibrox and will not be risked by Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni.

Hibernian striker Anthony Stokes has been drafted into the squad to replace Keane and could be in line for his fourth cap - and his first since the summer of 2007.

The 21-year-old has come back into the international reckoning after scoring 17 goals for Hibs so far this season.