Keane: Crucial to Ireland

A report in Ireland on Saturday revealed the 31-year-old was nursing a hamstring strain, and there were fears he may not have been able to train with Giovanni Trapattoni's squad in Malahide this week.

However, a scan has revealed there is no tear and it is hoped the country's 53-goal record scorer will be able to go through his paces at Gannon Park before the squad heads off for its Italian training camp in Montecatini next weekend.

A Football Association of Ireland spokesman said: "Robbie Keane's scan result came through today and showed all clear with no sign of any tear or blood.

"He will be assessed when he comes in and should be fine."

LA Galaxy striker Keane is due to meet up with his Premier League-based colleagues on Sunday as Trapattoni and his coaching staff begin their preparations in earnest.

The 73-year-old Italian welcomed the first wave of players - mainly those plying their trade in the npower Championship - last Thursday.

Keane contributed seven goals to the Republic's qualifying campaign and is a certainty in Trapattoni's starting line-up, provided he is fit.