We'll give it right go

Shrugging off a raft of withdrawals which increased with confirmation that Daryl Murphy is out and unable to offer much hope on James McCarthy's fitness, Keane remains positive.

"Unless he does something today, he would be very doubtful for Friday," said Keane when asked about McCarthy.

"Look, we'll do our best to win a game of football on Friday night. This idea, this element of doom and gloom with the injuries? I think the players are in a good place, working with a brilliant manager and we have a bit of momentum.

"I wouldn't want to be anywhere else over the next few days than getting ready for an international match for Ireland with the group of players we have," he claimed.

Admirable as Keane's trust in the squad is, there are still doubts over Séamus Coleman's fitness which should be removed in today's training session out in Abbotstown.

If they are not, Martin O'Neill's job becomes an awful lot harder. Neither Coleman or Jonathan Hayes trained yesterday.

"Séamus is OK, I think he just sat it out with Jon Hayes . We're hoping they'll join in tomorrow. It was more precaution I think because of the injuries we have but I'd expect them to train today."

Keane also offered some valuable advice on how to cope with Gareth Bale.

"Somebody get to him as quick as you can. Don't let him get his head up like he does at Real Madrid. Don't give him space because the boy can run. Tackle him. Hit him. Fairly."