IRELAND captain Robbie Keane completed Giovanni Trapattoni's squad when he arrived into Dublin from the United States yesterday morning, reports EMMET MALONE.
The striker missed LA Galaxy’s game at the weekend due to a hamstring injury but stayed on to watch it. His fitness remains a minor concern but he could start training with the rest of the squad as early as this morning.
Glenn Whelan joined in for both of yesterday’s sessions, light fitness work in the morning and more ball-work in the afternoon, while John O’Shea continued to work in the gym as Keith Fahey and Kevin Foley also continued to concentrate on shaking off minor injuries.
“The news is that the players are here with us,” said Marco Tardelli yesterday. “We are waiting for Robbie Keane but the rest of the players started the first session this morning in the gym then out to the pitch for some aerobic training.
“They are very focused on what they are doing because they know that this is a very important trophy for us, the country and the people. I saw the smiles on their faces and I think that that’s good for us.”
Asked if there was a particular reason for the players being brought out for sessions in both the morning and afternoon at a time when many are likely to be somewhat tired after long and challenging club campaigns, Tardelli insisted the workload for the squad is being kept pretty light.
Anyway, he added with a grin: “All day in bed is not good.”
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