Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy announced today that he is still waiting on news of injuries to his midfield duo of Roy Keane and Matt Holland before confirming their availability for tomorrow's friendly against Denmark, in Lansdowne Road.
Despite reports to the contrary, Keane is in fact in the country and addressed a press conference in the Forte Airport Hotel earlier this afternoon.
The Manchester United skipper insisted that he would not be taking any risks ahead of the two approaching World Cup Qualifiers and that he would see how he felt in the morning.
"I haven't missed many Ireland games lately and my fitness has been pretty good over the last couple of years," said the Corkman.
"But the knee on which I've had a cruciate ligament injury in the past is swollen and although I'd like to play tomorrow I won't if there is any doubt at all. It is a friendly and I have bigger priorities at the moment."
Keane picked up the knock in Sunday's 6-1 demolition of Arsenal by Manchester United and was substituted by manager Alex Ferguson.
His midfield partner and Ipswich captain Matt Holland is also doubtful after scoring against Everton at the weekend. His fate will also be decided tomorrow.
Their absence would of course leave a worrying gap in the central midfield area, as only one of the replacements from a squad of 16 is a natural centre midfielder. Derby's Lee Carsley is available to be selected leaving the other spot to be filled by Rory Delap (right sided) and Stoke's inexperienced late call up, Graham Kavanagh.
In defence Kenny Cunningham returns to take over the right back spot left vacant due to the unavailability of Stephen Carr or Gary Kelly.
Cunningham who has not played for the national side since the friendly against Greece in April last year, expressed his relief and gratitude at his inclusion in the squad.
"At times the way back seemed painfully slow", explained the Wimbledon man, "having said that I still consider myself lucky to be in the position I'm in."
The impressive Richard Dunne remains in the centre of defence, where he has turned in some heroic performances against world class opposition, alongside Coventry's Gary Breen.
The only two definites in the midfield are Fulham's Steve Finnan and Kevin Kilbane who has only just got his place back in Peter Reid's Sunderland side. Both scored in the Republic's last match, the 3-0 victory over Finland in November
As expected David Connolly replaces the injured Niall Quinn to partner Leeds striker Robbie Keane up front.
An early morning pitch inspection will be conducted tomorrow to confirm the fixture will take place.
Goalkeeper:Shay Given
Defence:Kenny Cunningham, Gary Breen, Richard Dunne, Ian Harte
Midfield:Steve Finnan, Matt Holland, Roy Keane, Kevin Kilbane
Strikers:David Connolly, Robbie Keane
