ROBBIE Keane has become a doubt for Republic of Ireland’s crucial Euro 2012 qualifer on Saturday after a training ground tackle by Ipswich Town defender Damien Delaney.

The Tottenham striker appeared to injury his ankle in a “serious-looking” collision as Ireland prepared for their match against FYR Macedonia.

But speaking after the incident, assistant manager Marco Tardelli said that Keane injured his groin.

Tardelli said: “We have a little problem with Robbie Keane after 15 minutes. I think he will good for the match. At this moment we can say nothing. The other players are fit and we have many choices.”

Keane travelled to Skopje with the team this afternoon and will be assessed again closer to the game.

Tardelli confirmed that former Town loanee Darren O’Dea will partner John O’Shea in the centre of defence – meaning Delaney will have to settle for a place on the bench for the match, which kicks off at 8.30pm.