Keane plays down Republic discord

Robbie Keane says Damien Duff's return is a major boost

Republic of Ireland v Brazil
Date: Wednesday, 6 February
Kick-off: 1945 GMT
Venue: Croke Park, Dublin
BBC Coverage: Live on the BBC Sport website

Robbie Keane has reiterated his commitment to the Republic of Ireland ahead of Wednesday's friendly against Brazil at Croke Park.

There has been discontent in the Republic squad over the delay in appointing a new manager and Richard Dunne has made clear his unhappiness.

But Republic captain Keane played down the issue on Tuesday.

"It will only be a matter of time before the team and the country can move on," said the Tottenham striker.

The panel, headed by Don Givens - who will also take charge of the Republic team for the second time in a caretaker capacity on Wednesday - cancelled an expected announcement on the new boss last Sunday.

The availability of Giovanni Trapattoni has been denied by his club, Red Bull Salzburg, and frustration is mounting over the situation.

There is also the concern of how Venables, the apparent players' favourite, will react to appearing to be very much the second-choice candidate.

Givens played it straight when asked about the vacancy at a press conference today.

606: DEBATE Give your thoughts on the Republic of Ireland

He said: "After Sunday, I haven't spoken about it and I don't want to speak about it any more because I have a job to do tomorrow night."

Despite the uncertainty, a near-capacity 80,000 crowd is expected at Croke Park for the Brazil clash and the fans will see Damien Duff in action again for the Republic after 10 months out.

Duff's return is one of the reasons Keane can afford to be bullish about his side's chances of pulling off a morale-boosting victory.

"You can't be fearing them," insisted Keane.

"If you fear them, you've got no chance.

"I'm sure we'll kick them but I don't think they'd expect us to let them come here and just keep the ball for 90 minutes.

"When you're growing up as a kid, you want to play against Brazil and the players will relish that.

"Damien's return is a massive, massive boost. He is one of the best in the Premier League at getting crosses in so to have someone doing that is brilliant."