Robbie Keane out of Brazilian encounter
Sunday, 28 February 2010 22:17Robbie Keane will miss the Republic of Ireland's international friendly with Brazil on Tuesday night after aggravating a knee injury during Celtic's Old Firm defeat against Rangers.
Keane had been a doubt for the SPL clash against Rangers at Ibrox and while he managed to play in the Hoops' last gasp 1-0 defeat, Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni will not risk his fitness against the Brazilians.
Hibernian striker Anthony Stokes has been drafted into the squad to replace the injured Keane.
A much reduced Republic of Ireland squad trained at the Arsenal Training Ground on Sunday with many of the squad invloved in game in the English and Scottish Premier league and the Carling cup final.
The squad had a light kickaround with the only injury concern surrounding Wigan's James McCarthy who took a heavy knock in the loss to Birmingham on Saturday.
McCarthy who turned his back on Scotland says he is hopeful of being involved in the game on Tuesday against Brazil at the Emerates Stadium in London.
