LA Galaxy captain Robbie Keane could miss a dream date at Wembley against England later this month due to club commitments.
Keane has been named in the Ireland squad for the World Cup clash with the Faroe Islands and the friendlies against England in London, Georgia in Dublin and Spain in New York.
But the Wembley date is not on an official international date and the Galaxy may not release their star striker.
Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni has yet to confirm Keane’s availability for the England and Georgia matches after naming a 28 man squad for the end of season games.
“I was in touch with him also. He has enthusiasm, he will be here if he can and we can evaluate his situation, his fitness,” Trapattoni said.
“In this moment we have three or four other important options -- Shane Long, Conor Sammon, Simon Cox and Jon Walters.”
Kevin Doyle, Richard Dunne and Ciaran Clark will miss the games through injury.
Trapattoni has distanced himself from speculation in Italy linking him with the Napoli job where current boss Walter Mazzarri is in the frame to take over at Inter Milan.
Trap said: “Sometimes in Italy they ask me, ‘What do you do tomorrow?’ I say, ‘Only God knows what happens tomorrow.’ Now my engagement is with Ireland 100 percent. I don’t allow myself to be distracted by others.
“Napoli was just speculation. I have a friend in Napoli, Mazzarri, who is doing a beautiful job.”
Republic of Ireland squad: Goalkeepers: David Forde (Millwall), Keiren Westwood (Sunderland), Darren Randolph (Motherwell). Defenders: John O’Shea (Sunderland), Sean St. Ledger (Leicester City), Damien Delaney (Crystal Palace), Richard Keogh (Derby County), Marc Wilson (Stoke City), Seamus Coleman (Everton), Stephen Kelly (Reading), Darren O’Dea (Toronto), Paul McShane (Hull City).
Midfielders: Glenn Whelan (Stoke City), James McCarthy (Wigan Athletic), Paul Green (Leeds United), Jeff Hendrick (Derby County), Aiden McGeady (Spartak Moscow), Anthony Pilkington (Norwich City), James McClean (Sunderland), Robbie Brady (Hull City), David Meyler (Hull City), Andy Keogh (Millwall). Forwards: Robbie Keane (LA Galaxy), Shane Long (West Brom), Connor Sammon (Derby County), Jon Walters (Stoke City), Simon Cox (Nottingham Forest), Wes Hoolahan (Norwich City).
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