Keane will be fit, insists Tardelli

Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane will be fit for Friday’s World Cup qualifier with Germany according to assistant manager Marco Tardelli, despite the LA Galaxy striker sitting out Wednesday’s training session with an Achilles injury.

The 32-year-old watched on from the sidelines after picking up a minor knock in a collision with Paul McShane yesterday as his team mates stepped up their preparations for the Group C clash. With a lengthy injury list and a depleted squad already, the last thing Giovanni Trapattoni needed was the sight of his skipper nursing an injury but Tardelli was quick to brush off any concerns over his fitness.

“It’s just a knock,” the Italian said. “Now, there are no doubts, because I spoke to the doctor. He told me everything is ok.”

With Glenn Whelan one of those on the missing list, Trapattoni is expected to opt for a three man midfield and Tardelli revealed that Keith Fahey is likely to get the nod to partner James McCarthy and Keith Andrews in the engine room.

“Fahey has good experience and for Meyler, it is very early because it’s a very tough match and we need experienced players,” he said.

Another selection dilemma for Trapattoni is the right back position with four players in contention to fill the berth vacated by John O’Shea’s expected switch to the centre. Stephen Kelly is the most likely candidate and the Fulham defender occupied the role in the end of session training match while Simon Cox was given the nod on the right hand side of a five man midfield.

Bolton midfielder Keith Andrews opted to sit out the practise match but Tardelli confirmed he was fully fit while 21-year-old Conor Clifford trained with his team mates for the first time after being called up late on Tuesday evening amid an injury crisis.

The expected 4-5-1 formation that Ireland are likely to field is not just because of the injuries according to Tardelli but also to try and contain Mesut Ozil.

"I think we need to change something against Germany because the Germans are a very strong team and play 4-3-3.

"Why the change? Because we have many injuries and against Germany we play 4-3-3 as they have a big player behind the two strikers in Ozil.

"Maybe we need a midfielder who can control and keep them in check. So we put three midfielders on the pitch and one midfielder is for Ozil." Tardelli concluded.

Meanwhile, the Irish manager dismissed speculation linking him with the vacant Blackburn Rovers job after reports suggested the Italian’s representatives met with the club’s owners to discuss a possible deal. The 73-year-old is currently under contract with the FAI until the end of the 2014 World Cup.