Robbie Keane’s injury update is bad news, but it could be worse

Robbie Keane expects to be fit for the Republic of Ireland's second Euro 2016 game against Belgium.

The 35-year-old hasn't played for Ireland since the loss to Poland last October. Keane injured his calf in training last Saturday and was forced to sit out of Tuesday's friendly against Belarus. Martin O'Neill included Ireland's captain and record goalscorer in his squad for Euro 2016, despite his injury, and Keane said on Thursday afternoon that although his injury update isn't entirely positive, he should be ready for action by June 18. "I thought it was going to be a lot longer," Keane told FAI TV. "They are saying a couple of weeks, which would obviously get me [fit] for the Sweden game, or maybe if I miss that one, I'll definitely be ready for the second game, so it's bad news, but it could have been a lot worse." Keane also spoke about the positive team spirit amongst the group, and how he feels it will stand the side well in France. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9esn687_fIA