Keane included in Ireland squad

Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane has been included in Martin O’Neill’s final 23-man squad for Euro 2016 despite struggling with a calf injury.

The LA Galaxy forward was forced to sit-out the Green Army’s friendly defeat to Belarus on Tuesday because of the problem that he sustained in training but despite his fitness doubts, the veteran will be part of the squad in France.

Another player who has been struggling with injury in the build up to the finals is Everton midfielder James McCarthy, but he has also been included in the squad despite a hamstring problem.

O’Neill admits that there are still slight doubts over the fitness of both players, but he is hopeful the duo will be able to play their part at the finals.

He said: “Robbie’s the captain of the side and he feels he’s going to be fit. James McCarthy did some work on his own today.” One player who could not prove his fitness for the tournament was Bournemouth’s Harry Arter, who has failed to recover from a thigh injury he sustained in training last week.

Darron Gibson, David McGoldrick, Eunan O’Kane, Callum O’Dowda and David Forde were the other players to miss out on selection, with O’Neill confirming that he had to make some tough decisions whilst trimming down his squad.

He added: “These decisions are tough because these lads want to play for their country. That’s the big decisions.”

Ireland will kick-off their Euro 2016 campaign against Sweden at the Stade de France on June 13, before they will face further matches against Belgium and Italy in Group E. O’Neill’s men are available at 3.00 to begin the tournament with a victory, while Sweden are on offer at 2.50 and the draw is priced at 3.00.