AS THE DUST settles on last night’s underwhelming defeat to Scotland, the FAI have announced both Robbie Keane and Darron Gibson will play no part in Tuesday’s friendly with USA after being released from the squad.
Keane played just twelve minutes of the 1-0 defeat at Celtic Park after Martin O’Neill opted to deploy Shane Long in the lone striker role instead. It was the first time the striker had been available for a competitive game and not started since 2001.
The players not involved on Friday evening trained this morning, after which Keane was given permission to head back across the Atlantic and rejoin his LA Galaxy team mates.
Gibson, meanwhile, will return to Everton for treatment on a minor knee injury he picked up in Glasgow. The midfielder was replaced by Stephen Quinn after 68 minutes.
“The Republic of Ireland squad trained today at Gannon Park Malahide. Players who did not play the full match yesterday evening took part,” the FAI statement read.
“Following training Robbie Keane has been released to return to his club. Darron Gibson has also been released to assist recovery to a minor knock to the knee.”
Jurgen Klinsmann’s USA visit Dublin on Tuesday for a friendly that represents Ireland’s last outing of the year.
