Key pair missing for Staunton
Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane and vice-captain Shay Given are both out of Wednesday's friendly against Holland at Lansdowne Road.
Manager Steve Staunton’s final preparations for his side’s opening European Championship qualifying game against Germany in Stuttgart on September 2 have been wrecked by a host of withdrawals for the clash with the Dutch.
Tottenham striker Keane, Ireland’s all-time leading scorer with 26 goals, is sidelined with a thigh injury that ruled him out of a 2-1 pre-season friendly win over Real Sociedad at White Hart Lane on Saturday.
As for Newcastle goalkeeper Given, he is to remain on Tyneside to receive treatment for a back injury sustained in last Thursday’s UEFA Cup victory over Latvian side FK Ventspils.
It leaves Staunton with a major headache as to who will lead out the team against Holland, with Everton midfielder Kevin Kilbane the likely candidate as he is the most experienced with 70 caps to his name.
To add to Staunton’s woes, Manchester City centre-back Richard Dunne is also out with a hamstring strain, while fellow City star Stephen Ireland, Spurs starlet Terry Dixon and Ipswich striker Alan Lee have also withdrawn with knocks.
“It’s far from ideal to lose so many of the squad through injury,” said Staunton. “As a result, we are without some of our leading players and with this being the final opportunity to test ourselves prior to the start of the European qualifying campaign, that’s very disappointing.
“From game to game you can never be sure who will be fit and available, but that’s international football.
“Other lads will get their chance to shine and the positives are that we have some very good, young and talented players who will benefit from the opportunity.”
Blackburn midfielder Jonathan Douglas and Sunderland striker Daryl Murphy, with two goals to his credit in the Black Cats’ winless start to their Coca-Cola Championship campaign, have been called up.
With Given out, Sheffield United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny will make his first appearance since March last year, winning only his sixth cap.
Newcastle manager Glenn Roeder confirmed Given’s problem as he told nufc.co.uk: “I’ve spoken with Steve Staunton and he has allowed us to withdraw Shay from the Ireland squad. Instead Shay will remain on Tyneside and have treatment for a slight back problem.
“I was very grateful to Steve for allowing Shay to stay here and receive treatment.”
