German coach Rudi Voeller believes World Cup group rivals the Republic of Ireland are vulnerable now captain Roy Keane has been sent home.
Asked if Keane's departure would weaken Ireland in their group E matches Voeller said today: "Of course it will. He's their leading player and their playmaker".
Voeller was reluctant to say much more about the row between Keane and coach Mick McCarthy.
"I don't want to comment on this because I don't know the background," said Voeller.
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"All I can say is rules are rules and they have to be respected by everybody."
Meanwhile Michael Ballack should be fit to play Germany's first World Cup game against Saudi Arabia on June 1st, according to Voeller.