Robbie Keane ruled out of Ireland clash

Republic of Ireland skipper Robbie Keane is out of tomorrow night's Euro 2012 qualifier against Armenia and could be sidelined for four weeks.

The 31-year-old Los Angeles Galaxy striker will continue to undergo treatment for an adductor muscle injury in the hope that he will be fit should Ireland gain the pint they need to secure a play-off berth next month.

Manager Giovanni Trapattoni confirmed the news at his pre-match press conference this afternoon.

Keane's place will be taken at the Aviva Stadium tomorrow night by West Brom frontman Simon Cox, who has been preferred to club-mate Shane Long and Stoke's Jonathan Walters, while goalkeeper Shay Given will wear the captain's armband.

Stephen Kelly will replace the suspended Stephen Ward at left-back, while Richard Dunne returns from his ban as Darren O'Dea makes way.

Team: Shay Given (capt); John O'Shea, Richard Dunne, Sean St Ledger, Stephen Kelly; Damien Duff, Glenn Whelan, Keith Andrews, Aiden McGeady; Kevin Doyle, Simon Cox.

PA