Mick McCarthy remains confident that Roy Keane will play in Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Iran, despite his absence from today's training session. "I spoke to Roy by telephone today and he told me that he is fine after his recent knee injury. Roy has been training at Manchester United and receiving treatment at the same time. But he'll definitely be travelling to Dublin," said the Irish boss. Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson had earlier rated Keane's chances as "very doubtful".
Sunderland's Kevin Kilbane took part in most of this afternoon's training session at the AUL Complex in Clonshaugh. "My ankle problem has kept me out of the game for three weeks but I felt fine and there was no reaction afterwards. I will be fit to play if selected," said Kilbane.
Steve Finnan, Matt Holland and Stephen Reid all missed the session as a precaution against knocks, but they are all expected to be fit for Saturday's game at Lansdowne Road. Dean Kiely is due to arrive in Dublin tomorrow, following an operation to reset his broken nose.
Bolton midfielder Gareth Farrelly has received a late call-up after the withdrawal of Wolves man Mark Kennedy with a hamstring injury. Farrelly won the last of his six caps in the 1-1 draw with the USA in Boston in June last year.
Meanwhile, Ireland will play an eircom League selection tomorrow morning behind closed doors tomorrow before moving to their CityWest base.
As Iran continue their playoff preparations, Hertha Berlin striker Ali Daei was the only absentee at today's training session in Tehran, as he is suffering from 'flu. Iran's squad is set to arrive in Dublin tomorrow. Two training sessions will be held in the days before the game at Bray Wanderers' Carlisle Ground. "Everyone can come and see us, the press and the public. We have nothing to hide and we'll be the underdogs," said Iran's Croatian coach Miroslav Blazevic.
Filed by Greg McKevitt
