Town striker David McGoldrick’s chances of making Martin O’Neill’s 23-man Republic of Ireland squad for the European Championships appear to have increased with Kevin Doyle having remained in the US and Robbie Keane set to miss Tuesday’s friendly against Belarus due to injury (Premier Sports, from 7pm).

Keane had been set to start the game against the Belarusians, which takes place at Cork City’s Turner’s Cross, alongside Blues frontman Daryl Murphy but the veteran striker, these days playing his club football with the LA Galaxy, damaged a calf muscle in training on Saturday.

The 35-year-old, Ireland's 67-goal all-time top scorer, has been given an injection and manager Martin O’Neill hasn’t ruled him out of his squad, which he will name following Tuesday’s match just ahead of the 11pm deadline.

“He’s a pretty quick healer, you don’t mind taking risk with one or two. Robbie is captain of the side, you’d want him there,” O’Neill said.

Doyle, who also plays in the MLS with the Colorado Rapids, had been due to fly back for the friendly, however, the former Wolves man has remained in the US, but is on standby and could still come into contention for the 23 if Keane fails to make it.

McGoldrick had been thought to be in a battle with Doyle for the fifth striker’s berth if O’Neill opts to take five frontmen with Keane, Murphy, Shane Long and ex-Blues skipper Jon Walters all expected to be included in the party which travels to France, where Ireland will play Belgium, Italy and Sweden in the group stages.

With Long likely to be rested after suffering a cut to his knee during Friday’s 1-1 draw with Holland at the Aviva Stadium, McGoldrick could well start alongside Murphy against Belarus.

The 28-year-old will win his fourth cap, while Murphy, 33, will pick up his 21st. Both are still to score their first international goal.

Photo: Action Images

ArnieM added 22:23 - May 30 double edged sword as far as Town are concerned I fear. 1. it would be great for Didsy to get games against good opposition and for home personally. but.... 2. I'd put money on it he would get injured and then be out for weeks at the start of the season.
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tractorboytedwardo19 added 22:44 - May 30 Good luck to Dave and murph, would be a good confidence booster going to the euros if they make it! Get behind the lads going to the euros, could both play instrumental roles for us next seasom
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ihatenorwich added 22:46 - May 30 I think it would be brilliant if both of them go, they might get injured yes but they might get injured in training with town or on holiday in sunny Felixstowe. I don't see a negative here, what a good experience it would be for them both.
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ipswich4life added 00:13 - May 31 Why would anyone down vote the first guy's coment?
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GiveusaWave added 00:29 - May 31 Good chance for both Murphy and McGoldrick given Ireland's present injury plight. I don't want to see them injured, but would be great to see them both in the Euro's. It sounds like "if there is even a chance Keane can play, we will take him".
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corfu72 added 07:53 - May 31 Great news,It would be great to see both play up front tonight.Have a great game lads and don't get injured.!Well done.
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billlm added 08:34 - May 31 Dont play for your employers dont play for some one else both have been calculating and mercenary in their end of season decisions, I don't have to much time for either at the moment
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TR11BLU added 10:43 - May 31 Well based on last season when Murphy took three months to get match fit after a rest following Ireland friendlies in the summer (Micks words) - I hope he (Murphy) (a) plays every game so that hes out until Christmas or (b) he scores loads and gets snapped up by a prem team (wont happen but I can dream)
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