Republic of Ireland striker Robbie Keane is in danger of missing next week's friendly international against Scotland after his club manager Glenn Hoddle said today he was doubtful for Tottenham's clash with Sunderland at the weekend.
Keane picked up an ankle injury in Tottenham's home defeat to Newcastle last week. He was named in Brian Kerr's squad on Friday and the new manager confirmed he would monitor the striker's progress over the coming days.
Keane missed the London club's 1-1 draw at Chelsea on Saturday and Hoddle rates the Dubliner's chances of facing Sunderland at White Hart Lane on Saturday as "touch and go."
Meanwhile, Jason McAteer is targeting a return to action next Monday. The 31-year-old has undergone two recent hernia operations and last played for Sunderland in September.
McAteer had hoped to play for the reserves against Aston Villa tonight but is now delaying the return a week in order to give himself more recovery time. Newcastle United reserves provide the opposition next Monday.
His clubmate, Thomas Butler, who made his senior international debut under Mick McCarthy in Helsinki last August, has recovered from a hamstring injury and will line out against Villa tonight.
