Ireland ease Keane fears

Republic of Ireland have played down a fitness concern regarding Robbie Keane following reports the captain has suffered a hamstring injury.

Captain set to link up for training after scan on hamstring

Republic of Ireland have played down a fitness concern regarding Robbie Keane following reports the captain has suffered a hamstring injury. Keane is due to link up with his international team-mates on Sunday, but there had been fears the striker would not be able to train with Giovanni Trapattoni's squad over the next few days. However, a scan has revealed there is no tear and it is hoped the country's 53-goal record scorer will be able to go through his paces at Gannon Park before the squad heads off for its Italian training camp in Montecatini next weekend. Trapattoni said: "The news is the scan in the US was not bad. We are not worried and we await him with confidence." A Football Association of Ireland spokesman added: "Robbie Keane's scan result came through today and showed all clear with no sign of any tear or blood. "He will be assessed when he comes in and should be fine." LA Galaxy striker Keane is due to meet up with his English Premier League-based colleagues on Sunday as Trapattoni and his coaching staff begin their preparations in earnest. The 73-year-old Italian welcomed the first wave of players - mainly those plying their trade in the Championship - last Thursday. Keane contributed seven goals to the Republic's qualifying campaign and is a certainty in Trapattoni's starting line-up, provided he is fit.