Reid out of qualifiers

Damien Duff and Robbie Keane last night provided Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton with a timely boost ahead of the upcoming European qualifiers with Cyprus and the Czech Republic but Blackburn's Steven Reid's has been ruled out.

Having missed the league draw with Everton at the weekend with a thigh strain, Duff proved his fitness to play the final 20 minutes of Newcastle's 2-1 Uefa Cup victory over Levadia Tallinn.

Duff's Newcastle manager Glenn Roeder had said the player was nearing a return but even he must be somewhat surprised at the speed of the Dubliner's recovery.

Duff's international colleague Stephen Carr captained the side in the absence of Scott Parker.

Robbie Keane scored his first goal of the season and the only one of the game in the 1-0 defeat of Slavia Prague as Tottenham kick-started their sluggish season.

It was the Ireland skipper's first goal in eight matches this term and, indeed, his first since scoring against London rivals Arsenal in April.

Keane last scored for his country in the 3-0 win over Sweden - Staunton's first game in charge - back in March.

Reid, meanwhile, missed Blackburn's Uefa win over Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg because of a back injury and is now ruled out of the international double-header

"Steven is improving, but his recovery is not going as fast as we would like, so he certainly won't be involved against Wigan this Sunday," said Blackburn manager Mark Hughes.

"He also won't be involved with Ireland. He hasn't kicked a ball or been out with the group for about two weeks. So there's no point his going because he wouldn't be in a fit state to play.

"It is better for him, us and Ireland if he stays behind and has intensive treatment morning and afternoon, and let's see if we can get him back quickly."

Sheffield United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny - who is in line to replace the injured Shay Given -  must pass a fitness test on his thigh injury today in order to face Middlesbrough tomorrow.

Finally, Andy Reid is continuing to make good progress after a hamstring injury. The 24-year-old Dubliner has not played for three weeks but is in contention for a place against Arsenal tomorrow.

He is hoping to force his way into the team in some shape or form and boost his international prospects.

Reid missed Ireland's 1-0 defeat to Germany because of injury and a loss of form but was recalled to the national squad earlier this week by Staunton.

Charlton boss Iain Dowie has, however, stipulated Reid miss the trip to Cyprus on Saturday week and stay with the club in a bid to aid full recovery.

"Andy's come through a good three or four days of training and we'll see how he is for the weekend," said Charlton manager Iain Dowie.

"He's a great kid, he really wants to get in and play a run of games. And if we can get him a run of games we really believe he'll be a big asset for this club."