Ireland's Keane to miss Austria clash

DUBLIN (AFP) –

Irish captain Robbie Keane eyes the ball during the World Cup 2010 qualifying football match France vs. Republic of Ireland on November 18, 2009 at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, northern Paris. Keane has been ruled out of Tuesday’s crucial 2014 World Cup qualifier against Austria.

Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane has been ruled out of Tuesday’s crucial 2014 World Cup qualifier against Austria.

Keane suffered a calf injury in Friday’s 0-0 draw against Sweden in Stockholm and was forced to withdraw from the squad after a scan on the problem on Sunday.

The LA Galaxy forward, who has 123 caps for Ireland and is his country’s all-time leading scorer, was present at Sunday’s training session, but did not join in with the group.

Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni had been hopeful the former Tottenham and Liverpool star would be fit to lead his side out against the Austrians in Dublin.

But Trapattoni, who has called up Wolves forward Kevin Doyle to replace Keane, will be without his main striker for a game in Dublin which is vital to Ireland’s hopes of qualifying for the World Cup in Brazil.

Trapattoni’s team are currently fourth in Group C with seven points from four matches.

They are behind Austria on goal difference and one point behind second placed Sweden in the race for a play-off place.

Group leaders Germany already have 13 points and look certain to qualify automatically.

Meanwhile, midfielder Glenn Whelan, who missed the Sweden stalemate with an ankle problem, was able to train on Sunday and could be fit.