LA Galaxy captain Robbie Keane was officially named to Ireland’s 23-man roster for UEFA Euro 2016 on Tuesday, while Colorado Rapids forward Kevin Doyle missed the cut for manager Martin O’Neill’s final squad.
Doyle, who was named to Ireland's preliminary roster, could still play in the tournament as a potential injury replacement for Keane, who picked up a knock on Saturday.
Keane suffered a calf strain in training with Ireland on Saturday, but was deemed fit enough to be named to the country’s final roster. Ireland’s captain and all-time leading scorer, Keane will miss at least three of LA’s MLS matches while at the tournament in France, and could be out longer if Ireland advances out of Group E.
This is the second straight Euro tournament for Keane, who did not play in Ireland’s friendly loss to Belarus on Tuesday. He has 67 goals in 143 career appearances for Ireland and four goals and one assist in six league appearances for the Galaxy this year.
Doyle, 32, was on Ireland’s preliminary squad, but did not travel to the country for their friendlies against the Netherlands last week and on Tuesday against Belarus. He played the full 90 minutes in the Rapids’ 1-1 draw against Philadelphia on Saturday.
O’Neill told reporters in Ireland on Tuesday that “there’s a possibility that [Doyle] could get a very late call-up” if Keane is unable to play due to injury. A member of Ireland’s squad at Euro 2012, Doyle has 14 goals in 62 career international appearances and two goals and one assist in 10 games for the Rapids this year.
UEFA Euro 2016 will begin on June 10. Ireland will play their first match on June 13 against Sweden, then face Montreal Impact defender Laurent Ciman and Belgium on June 18 before wrapping group play against Italy on June 22.
