Soccer: The injury problems continue to mount for Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni after Robbie Keane and James McCarthy joined the list of walking wounded ahead of Tuesday's Carling Nations Cup. Both players have been ruled out and will miss the match against Wales.
Leon Best and Liam Lawrence have already withdrawn from the squad this weekend while Keith Treacy was ruled out last week.
Keane, who was unable to stop new club West Ham dropping to the bottom of the Premier League this afternoon, sustained a calf strain during the defeat at the hands of Birmingham City. The Ireland captain was substituted midway through the second half and will stay in London for treatment on the problem.
West Ham boss Avram Grant confirmed that the 30-year-old is out of Tuesday’s game in Dublin and could miss next weekend’s crucial match at West Brom.
Grant said: “Robbie Keane is injured. His calf has tightened. We will have to wait and see. I hope he will be fit for next weekend but he will not be fit for the international.”
McCarthy, who had only recently returned from a serious ankle injury, misses the opportunity to build on his solitary senior cap. The Wigan midfielder was outstanding against Blackburn yesterday, finding the net twice in the 4-3 win. But the 20-year-old is said to be fatigued and will not be risked by his club for what is essentially a friendly.
Wigan manager Roberto Martinez was effusive in his praise for McCarthy yesterday and his role in Wigan’s recent revival.
“We missed him too much,” the Spaniard said. “He started the season really, really well and you quickly forget in football how good a player can be, or what an impact he can have on the squad.
“He’s come back three weeks ahead of schedule, which is an insight into the type of character that he is. And the performance just showed that he’s not a 20-year-old player, his tactical awareness and his quality is of someone more mature than that.
“Everyone is extremely proud of having James as a Wigan Athletic player.”
Newcastle striker Best and Portsmouth winger Lawrence were both ruled out yesterday evening. Best suffered a hamstring injury during the 4-4 draw with Arsenal, in which he scored his side’s second goal.
Lawrence is out of the squad due to a calf problem. Bristol City striker Andy Keogh has been drafted in as a replacement while Anthony Stokes is on standby and could be called in.
