Robbie Keane has assured Trapattoni of his commitment to the Ireland set-up.

Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni is confident skipper Robbie Keane will be ready to lead his country into Euro 2012 battle after jetting in from America.

The LA Galaxy striker is due to arrive in Dublin to meet up with the rest of the squad ahead of Friday night’s Group B clash with Slovakia at the Aviva Stadium and next Tuesday’s potentially decisive trip to Russia.

In Australia, ESPN are showing the Slovakia game live from 4:30am on Saturday morning.

Ireland’s clash with Russia will be shown live by Setanta Sports at 12:55am on Wednesday, September 7.

Keane, 31, has scored 51 goals in 109 senior appearances for Ireland and represents Trapattoni’s most potent weapon as the Italian attempts to guide the Republic to the finals of a major tournament for the first time since the 2002 World Cup in the Far East.

But the Italian has no fears that the trans-Atlantic commute will affect the striker, who assured him of his commitment to international football as he headed into Major League Soccer.

Trapattoni said: “I spoke with him and he went with enthusiasm. He told me he was happy.

“He wished also to be with the Irish team and he will be with us this week.

“I am sure also now after one day’s rest he can play despite the long flight.”

Keane scored on his debut for the Galaxy in a 2-0 win over San Jose Earthquakes on August 20, and also started against Costa Rican champions Alajuelense in the CONCACAF Champions League on Thursday as his side ran out victors by the same score.

While the much-travelled frontman has become something of a talisman for his country over the years, he now enjoys a measure of support from a new generation of Irish strikers.

Kevin Doyle has established himself as Keane’s main foil, but the emergence of Shane Long and new West Brom team-mate Simon Cox as genuine options has given Trapattoni real choice.

The manager said: “It’s important to have these options. In the 90 minutes, we can start and then change.

“It’s very important to choose every option.”

The Slovakia and Russia games will have a major say in the outcome of the group, with the three sides involved locked together at the top of the table on 13 points.

Ireland lost at home to the Russians and drew in Slovakia in October, and there has been little to choose between the teams throughout the campaign to date.

But while Trapattoni is fully aware of the magnitude of the double-header, he is refusing even to contemplate what lies ahead in Moscow next week until the first encounter has been negotiated.

He said: “We must prepare for these two games with more attention — I say more because it is always important to improve.

“Every game shows us or teaches us that it is possible to improve again.

“For example, for the last [friendly] game against Croatia, we were missing two or three important players. But the players who came in played well, and I am confident about them.

“I saw how it’s possible to improve not only the system, but the attitude, mentality and how it’s possible to achieve the result when we are missing one or two important players.

“Now against Slovakia and against Russia, we need to start with the winning mentality because I think we can do that.

“But we have to think about Russia only after three days.”

Trapattoni also returned to a familiar theme when talk of a boozy bust-up at the team hotel in May was raised, and insisted that, although he does not mind his players having a drink after a game, they must stick to his rules.

He said: “Two or three months ago, I allowed them to drink beer. Why not? In Italy we drink wine.

“We don’t need any secrets. Everything has to be clear. We can allow it as long as at 11 o’clock, they come back.”

The Republic of Ireland’s Macedonia tie will be shown live at 6:40am on ESPN on Sunday morning and not as delayed coverage, as previously reported.

Ireland’s tie against Uruguay will also be aired live on ESPN2 at 5:30am on Wednesday, March 30, with a replay by ESPN at 9am and a second replay by ESPN2 at 8pm.

In the latest squad news, Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni has found himself plunged into a deepening injury crisis after Seamus Coleman became the latest player to withdraw from the squad.

The 22-year-old Everton midfielder was forced to pull out after an assessment of the ankle injury he suffered at the weekend.

Everton’s Coleman had not been able to train since joining up with his international colleagues on Monday evening and has followed Leon Best back to England after the Newcastle striker headed for Tyneside yesterday, also because of an ankle problem.

Trapattoni had already lost key members of his starting eleven in Shay Given and John O’Shea by the time the squad assembled.

There has been better news of skipper Robbie Keane and central defender Richard Dunne in recent days, while Damien Duff trained for the first time today after recovering from an Achilles injury.

However, Sean St Ledger, who is the first-choice partner for Dunne, has not been able to train since damaging his knee in a collision with Ciaran Clark on Tuesday morning and a huge question mark hangs over his participation.

Goalkeeping coach Alan Kelly said: “We are just being careful with him and taking every precaution.

“We will give him as much time as we can and see what happens tomorrow.

“It’s all you can do in these situations when people pick up knocks. Let’s see what happens tomorrow.”

Tardelli: Keane experience is key

Meanwhile, Marco Tardelli is backing Robbie Keane’s goals and experience to see him through his return to Republic of Ireland action against Macedonia.

The 30-year-old striker has had barely 20 minutes of competitive football since damaging a calf muscle last month, but is set to be named in the starting line-up for Saturday evening’s Euro 2012 qualifier in Dublin.

Manager Giovanni Trapattoni is hoping to get at least an hour out of Ireland’s leading goalscorer of all time, but his assistant Tardelli has seen enough in the past two days of training to believe he could go the distance if required.

He said: “Robbie Keane has been out of action for many days after the injury, but I have found him fit.

“There has been a smile on his face and he is in good form.

“I think it is possible for Robbie to play. He is fit to play a full match.”

The current season has proved hugely frustrating for Keane, who is currently playing his football at West Ham on loan from Tottenham, where he has struggled to hold down a place under Harry Redknapp.

Tardelli said: “That is a good motivation, but there is still a long way to go in the Premier League.

“I think this is a good chance for him to play well.”

PA

The Coventry keeper will make his competitive start in Saturday's quailfier against Macedonia

Republic of Ireland keeper Shay Given has assured the nation their Euro 2012 hopes are in safe hands with Keiren Westwood.

The 26-year-old Coventry man is set to make his competitive senior international debut in Saturday evening’s qualifier against Macedonia at the Aviva Stadium with his hugely-experienced Manchester City counterpart injured.

Given told Irish broadcaster RTÉ: “The country is in safe hands.

“I have been very impressed by him since he has come into the squad.

“Clubs will be looking at him in the summer as I believe his contract is up and no disrespect to Coventry, but he can move to a bigger club.

“The whole country will be behind him and the team on Saturday.”

The Republic head into the game sitting in second place behind Group B leaders Russia, but level on points with Armenia and Slovakia after four games.

Given said: “We have got to win and get three points if we are realistic about qualifying.

“It’s been too long since we were at a major finals. The nation needs a pick-up and the best way of doing that is by qualifying.

“We have a realistic chance, but it will be tough. Worst-case scenario, we make the play-off and get a favourable draw.”

Given, 34, has been a mainstay of the national team for the last 15 years, but will be a frustrated bystander at the weekend because of a troublesome shoulder injury.

With Joe Hart having also usurped him at City, the last year or so has proved a difficult spell for the former Newcastle keeper, although he is far from ready to give up the fight for his place.

He said: “I saw the specialist in London on Wednesday and he’s happy. I’m upping the rehab and doing more strength work.

“I hope to be back playing by the end of April. We have some Ireland games too in May and the big one in June.

“It’s been extremely frustrating. I haven’t played enough this season and to top it off, I got injured when I wasn’t even playing.

“But I will get my head down, won’t feel sorry for myself and try be positive. Anything can happen in football — Joe might get injured or suspended and I have to be ready to step in.”

Delayed coverage of the match will be shown at 12:30pm on ESPN2 and 3pm on ESPN, this Sunday.

Ireland’s tie against Uruguay will be aired live on ESPN2 at 5:30am on Wednesday, March 30, with a replay by ESPN at 9am and a second replay by ESPN2 at 8pm.

PA

The Republic of Ireland look to make it three qualifier wins in a row when they play Russia on Friday and viewers in Australia can watch the game live on ESPN.

Ireland started Euro 2012 qualification Group B with the crucial wins they needed over Armenia and Andorra, but the opposition is about to get much tougher. The side face a determined Russian squad at the Aviva Stadium (Friday, 8 October) before a tough trip to Zilina to face Slovakia next Tuesday (October 13). These are the big ones in terms of qualification for Euro 2012.

Everton youngster Seamus Coleman has been called up to the senior Republic of Ireland squad for the first time.

The 21-year-old was drafted in by manager Giovanni Trapattoni ahead of the Euro 2012 qualifiers against Russia and Slovakia following the withdrawals of Stephen Kelly and Darren O’Dea, and met up with the rest of the squad in Malahide on Monday.

The Donegal youngster signed a four-year contract with Everton last season. His team-mate midfielder Diniyar Bilyaletdinov is in the Russia squad and this sparked some good-natured teasing.

“When I got the call-up, a couple of lads were separating us at the dinner table and that kind of stuff, but that was it, nothing serious. He said they are a decent team. It will be a tough game, but hopefully, we can do it. If we don’t lose, it will be great, but we definitely have a great chance of winning the game.

“There’s definitely no reason to be scared of them. You just look at some of the players in their squad and there are some great players there. You have got to respect them, they have some very good attacking players and it is not going to be an easy game. But if the lads stick to the plan, we can get the three points.”

Damien Duff and Keith Andrews are unavailable due to injuries but Richard Dunne passed a late fitness test and will partner Sean St Ledger in defence. Problems also come in the lack of match fitness of some of the players: neither of key players Shay Given and Robbie Keane are first choice for their clubs.

Trapattoni has kept faith with the side who have brought him six points to date with midfielder Paul Green goalscorer Kevin Doyle again included.

The recent good form of Aiden McGeady since his summer move to Spartak Moscow will come as a major bonus to Trapattoni. Russia’s Dick Advocaat is determined the Republic of Ireland winger will not be given the chance to show that form tomorrow.

“I know him from Celtic and there he was already a great talent. He’s a dangerous player. If we give him the space to play, then he can damage many defenders, but we are not intending to do that,” Advocaat said.

“I know they are very happy at Spartak with him. That kind of player, who can pass, who can score a goal, who can cross a ball, there are not so many players of that calibre.

“I was also quite surprised he has done so well. He has adjusted so quickly. He has only been there for two months and, if you go abroad, the majority of players need more time to feel comfortable. But from the beginning he was the key player of their team.”

Live coverage begins at 5.30am AEST in ESPN and kick-off is at 5.45am.

by Anna Brazil

The Republic of Ireland maintained their 100 per cent record in the Euro 2012 qualifiers after a comfortable win over Andorra, with Robbie Keane jumping back on the goal wagon.

Keane insisted during the run-up to the first competitive game at the Aviva Stadium that he would not dwell on an uncharacteristically unproductive trip to Armenia last week, and he was as good as his word to extend his national record tally to 44 on his 102nd appearance.

Kevin Kilbane opened the scoring in the 14th minute of play with a header, then Kevin Doyle added to the tally five minutes from half time.

Andorra’s Christian Martinez struck back with a goal in the closing moments of the first half but the men in green couldn’t be shaken, and returned more determined than ever. Keane scored nine minutes after the restart to secure Ireland’s lead as they cruised to the top of the Group B.

Meanwhile, group B rivals Russia suffered a shock home defeat to Slovakia.

Ireland are leading Slovakia on goal difference ahead of next month’s crucial double-header with Slovakia and Russia.

The eagerly anticipated first match in the Republic of Ireland’s Euro 2012 qualifying campaign will be screened live on Setanta Sports at 1am AEST on Saturday morning (September 4).

Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni is hoping captain Robbie Keane’s lack of football at Tottenham so far this season will work in his country’s favour.

The 30-year-old striker has managed just two appearances as a substitute for Spurs to date, sparking weeks of speculation that he could leave the club during the transfer window.

However, the deadline passed last night with no sign of a move, and he flew out to Armenia today with his mind focused firmly on the task of returning with three points in the Republic’s Euro 2012 qualifying account.

Indeed, Trapattoni is keeping his fingers crossed that Keane’s lack of recent activity will mean he is fresher than ever.

“Robbie is mature. I have spoken to him about whether he should stay with his club, and I said to him, ‘Sure, your club need you’, the Italian said.

“He is balanced in his mind about football because he knows from many years in England, he knows the situation.

“But I am selfish and at the moment. For Ireland team, it is better he has played a few games.

“He is proud and I’m sure he can play like the Robbie Keane we know.”

Keane was able to train at Malahide yesterday without the protective knee brace he had worn the day before, and he was joined on the flight to Armenia by defenders Richard Dunne and Darren O’Dea, who are expected to shake off muscle and knee injuries respectively.

They were accompanied too by 33-year-old full-back Kevin Kilbane, who has been handed the task of helping to nurse a new generation Ireland stars through their formative moments on the international stage, 13 years after winning his first senior cap against Iceland.

The Hull defender, who is in line to win his 105th senior cap on Friday evening, did consider retiring from international football following the controversial World Cup play-off defeat by France in November last year.

However, having decided to fight for his place with the likes of Manchester City’s 19-year-old Greg Cunningham fast emerging from the ranks, he has been asked by Trapattoni to keep an eye on some of his younger colleagues.

13 years after winning his first senior cap against Iceland”The kids want take the shirt off your back, and will do if you are not performing. We have two or three coming in with real quality.

“We haven’t qualified [for a major tournament] in five or six years, and so young lads have had no real no chance to shine,” Kilbane said.

“This is the time for lads like Kevin Doyle to shine, and we need to qualify so they can have their chance on a big stage.”

“The question was asked at the end of the last campaign about Robbie [Keane], Damien [Duff] and even John O’Shea, but they are key for us.

“I think they all still want to be a part of a team going to a tournament finals, and this is the chance.

“We have never had a massive pool of players, but we are very much a team together.

“It would be all too easy when you are not involved in every game to walk out and say, ‘I have had enough’.

“No. I will sit around and see what happens. I love it, it’s the pinnacle for me.

“I spoke to my family and they made it clearer for me and I took plenty of other advice.

“If anyone thought it was time for me to go, that wasn’t said and it’s nice to hear that people want me to stay around.”

Keeper Shay Given is also in line for a record 105th appearance for Ireland at the Yerevan Republic Stadium.

Trapattoni has been dealt a series of injury blows ahead of the game with Paul McShane joining midfielders Damien Duff, Keith Andrews and Keith Treacy in pulling out of the squad.

Duff has been ruled out with a calf injury and McShane has withdrawn with a hamstring injury. Both Andrews and Treacy are battling groin strains.

Republic of Ireland midfielder Glenn Whelan cannot wait for the chance to put his World Cup misery behind him as he targets European success.

The 26-year-old Stoke player, like the rest of his team-mates, was shattered by the Republic’s controversial play-off exit in Paris as France squeezed through to what turned out to be a disastrous campaign in South Africa with a helping hand from Thierry Henry.

Andorra head for Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on October 8, and a maximum points haul would give Giovanni Trapattoni’s men just the start they desire, and send a message to Group B rivals Russia and Slovakia.

Whelan said: “Because of what happened in the last campaign, everyone was just hoping for this to come around as soon as possible.

“Hopefully with this campaign here, everyone can forget about what happened in Paris.

“We are not going into any campaign thinking, ‘Let’s go for second’.

“We are definitely going for top and hopefully that’s the case.

“We know we have some tough places to go to and we are going to have some hard games, but we can just worry about ourselves. That’s what we are going to do and hopefully qualify.

“It doesn’t matter if we are playing Armenia or Russia, we will worry about ourselves.”