Source: Daily_Mail
Robbie Keane ready to play through pain barrier for Republic of Ireland
ShareRepublic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane is aiming for his 50th international goal after declaring himself fit to face Macedonia.[LNB] The Tottenham striker was a major doubt for Ireland's last Euro 2012 qualifier of the season after suffering a groin injury in training this week.[LNB] Action man: Robbie Keane takes part in training despite a groin injury[LNB] But after a light session at the Philip II Stadium in Skopje, Keane said he will be fit to play, even if he has to have a pain-killing injection.[LNB] The Republic's all-time record scorer said: 'I'll be on that pitch and if it requires an injection, I'll have one.[LNB]'I think I'll be ok. I haven't been 100 per cent since I was about 17 and I've had these injuries over the last few months, but I've carried on.[LNB] 'A little groin strain is not going to stop me. It's not an injury that is going to put me out for months.'[LNB] Keane scored his 49th goal in last week's warm-up win over Scotland, equalling Sir Bobby Charlton's England tally. He is 7-4 to score on Saturday night.[LNB] Keane added: 'It would mean a hell of a lot, but the win is the most important thing.' [LNB]Victory over Macedonia could put Ireland top of their qualifying group and Trapattoni made one surprise selection when he named West Brom rookie Simon Cox as Keane's strike partner ahead of Reading's Shane Long.[LNB] Cox has certainly impressed the Italian and his management team since his introduction to the squad less than a fortnight ago, both in his twoopening matches against Northern Ireland and Scotland, and during training.[LNB] He indicated that Long is perhaps still struggling with the mental and physical scars of his club's Championship play-off defeat at Wembley on Monday, and the feeling is he could make more of an impact as a substitute, if required. [LNB] Target man: Ireland are ready to turn to West Brom rookie Simon Cox[LNB]Trapattoni said: 'I decided because Long has played many games and it's necessary for him to recover his strength. I saw he was a little bit disappointed still on Friday.[LNB] 'Cox and Long are different players. I think Long can play the same as Robbie and we have also seen now that Cox can play with Robbie. He's more like (Kevin) Doyle. [LNB] 'We have looked at these players and Cox has demonstrated he can play with us and he has shown what he can do. That is important. This is our job. We saw him play left, play right and play striker. Now it's early in his career but we look for him to confirm our belief in him.' [LNB] There was further bad news for Trapattoni to give to two members of his squad in Skopje as Celtic's Darren O'Dea was preferred to Sean St Ledger as John O'Shea's central defensive partner and Paul McShane lostout to Stephen Kelly at right-back.[LNB] Trapattoni said: 'I spoke with St Ledger and it was very heavy for me toleave him out because I followed him in training but I thought he is not 100 per cent.[LNB] 'We have another opportunity, it's only friendly against Italy but he could play against them, that is still an important game. If he plays tomorrow we could lose him for August and September.[LNB] 'I have had time to think about O'Dea and he has shown me he is ready and his ankle is 100 per cent.' [LNB] Ireland are aiming for third time lucky in Skopje after suffering two shocking results here in the past which cost them qualification to two tournaments. If they win tonight, they could go top of their qualifying group.[LNB] Trapattoni added: 'I am diplomatic to other managers because I have respect for the opponent but when I go on to the pitch, I go to win. In my life until now the aim is always to win.' [LNB] Another blow for Trap as Ireland captain Keane suffers injury scareNo problem! Terry insists he's best of pals with Rio as England prepare to face the Swiss[LNB] [LNB] [LNB] [LNB] Explore more:People: Robbie Keane, John O'Shea, Stephen Kelly, Simon Cox, Paul McShane Places: Scotland, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Macedonia, United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, Ireland
