Keogh replaces injured Folan

Wolves striker Andy Keogh replaces injured Caleb Folan in the Republic of Ireland squad to face Wales and Slovakia in upcoming European qualifiers at Croke Park.

The 20-year-old Dubliner - who scored a last minue equaiser in yesterday's 2-2 draw against Sheffield Wednesday - receives the call from Ireland manager Steve Staunton following Folan's enforced withdrawal last night after sustaining an injury playing for Wigan.

Folan was stretcheted off in the 28th minute of his club's 0-0 Premiership draw with Fulham after an accidental clash with opponent Carlos Bocanegra.

The 24-year-old landed awkwardly on his right ankle and was immediately replaced by Henri Camara.

Folan, a former Chesterfield striker, had hospital x-rays last night but it has not been revealed whether he suffered a break or bad bruising.

"It just shows you the highs and lows of this game. Two weeks ago he scored the winner against Manchester City and got picked for Ireland, and then this happens to him," said Wigan boss Paul Jewell of his new recruit.

Keogh, like Folan, is an uncapped striker but was included in Staunton's squad for the narrow victory over San Marino last month and has also played at 'B' and underage levels.

Folan's controversial inclusion left in-form strikers Clinton Morrison and David Connolly out in the cold.  Both were hopeful of a call-up late last night but their fate under Staunton appears sealed following Keogh's selection.

Sunderland manager Roy Keane was critical of Connolly's omission during the week, branding the snub a "disgrace".

Keogh joined Mick McCarthy's Wolves from Scunthorpe United in the January transfer window and along with former Bohemians player Stephen Ward has proved a key figure in the club's play-off push.

Staunton will be sweating on his remaining players' well-being later today as a number of his selection are in action for their clubs.

So far Folan - who only received his Irish passport on Wednesday night - is the only player to withdraw from the 24-man squad announced in Dublin earlier this week.

The Republic of Ireland play Wales on Saturday before hosting Slovakia four days later.  Both games will be played at Croke Park.