Galaxy u-turn as Keane released for England and Georgia games

Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane will be available for the friendly games against England and Georgia after his club LA Galaxy relented following further talks with the Dubliner.

Just yesterday, the FAI said the former Spurs and Liverpool striker would not feature in the May 29th game at Wembley or the June 2nd fixture against the Georgians in Dublin because of club commitments, but MLS champions Galaxy appear to have had a change of heart.

“Proving that 24 hours is a long time in football, the Football Association of Ireland this evening announced that Robbie Keane has had further discussions with his club regarding the international matches in May and June which fall outside the Fifa international window,” an FAI statement read today. “Following those additional discussions, Robbie and LA Galaxy have now agreed that he can be released for the friendly fixtures against England in Wembley and Georgia in Dublin.

Keane added: “I would like to thank LA Galaxy for reconsidering their decision after further conversations between us, which really means a lot to me. We have reached an agreement that will enable me to make it to the games and I look forward to playing my part.”

Galaxy were entitled to prevent Keane from travelling because, unlike the World Cup qualifier against Faroe Islands on June 7th and the Spain friendly in New York four days later, the two games are scheduled outside the international window.

Keane is sure to play some part in both now and will, therefore, equal Shay Given’s caps record of 125 when he takes to the field against Georgia and set a new benchmark against the Faroe Islands.