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.