Keane pulls out of Brazil clash

28 February 2010 22:39

Celtic's Robbie Keane has pulled out of the Republic of Ireland squad for the friendly with Brazil because of a knee injury.

Keane is understood to have aggravated the injury during Sunday's Old Firm defeat to Rangers.

A spokesperson for the Republic said: "Robbie Keane will not report for international duty due to a knee injury."

The on-loan Spurs striker had been a doubt for the SPL clash against Rangers at Ibrox and while he managed to play in the Hoops' last-gasp 1-0 defeat, Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni will not risk his fitness against the Brazilians.

Hibernian striker Anthony Stokes has been drafted into the squad to replace him.

Source: PA