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Robbie Keane included in Republic of Ireland squad for Euro 2016

 Robbie Keane of Republic of Ireland
Image: Robbie Keane has scored 67 goals in 143 international appearances for the Republic of Ireland

Robbie Keane has been included in the Republic of Ireland's 23-man squad for Euro 2016.

Keane was a major doubt for the tournament after being forced out of Ireland's 2-1 friendly defeat to Belarus in Cork on Tuesday after suffering a calf injury in training.

However, the 35-year-old LA Galaxy forward, who has scored 67 goals in 143 appearances for his country, has been passed fit to participate in France this summer.  

Everton midfielder James McCarthy has also been included in the squad after recovering from a hamstring problem. 

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Martin O'Neill has included Keane in his final 23-man Ireland squad as the striker is confident about his fitness

However, Bournemouth midfielder Harry Arter has been ruled out of the tournament after suffering a thigh injury in training on Monday.

Meanwhile, Darron Gibson, David McGoldrick, Eunan O'Kane and David Forde all miss out on a place in Martin O'Neill's squad. 

"David Forde is obviously disappointed because he's been part of the squad," O'Neill said, following his side's defeat to Belarus.

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Robbie Keane of Republic of Ireland celebrates
Image: Keane was forced out of Tuesday's friendly against Belarus with a calf injury

"Robbie's the captain of the side and he feels he's going to be fit. James McCarthy did some work on his own today.

"These decisions are tough because these lads want to play for their country. That's the big decisions.

"I'm not a soothsayer, but I think that there's a fairly decent chance that they are going to be okay. We have got a little bit of time.

"James came off in that last game, but he has played a lot of matches for Everton, obviously, he's a pretty fit lad anyway at the best of times, but like anything else, you'd like some time on the field."

Ireland will now prepare for their opening Group E match against Sweden at the Stade de France on June 13.

Bournemouth midfielder Harry Arter is struggling with an Achilles injury
Image: Bournemouth midfielder Harry Arter has been ruled out of Euro 2016

O'Neill's side will then face Belgium in Bordeaux on June 18 before taking on Italy in Lille on June 22, and the Irish boss expects Keane to be available for all three games.

"He [Keane] thinks he'll be fit for Sweden, if not then he'll be ready for the second game," said O'Neill.

Republic of Ireland squad:

Goalkeepers: Darren Randolph (West Ham), Shay Given (Stoke), Kieran Westwood (Sheffield Wednesday)

Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Cyrus Christie (Derby), John O'Shea (Sunderland), Ciaran Clark (Aston Villa), Richard Keogh (Derby), Shane Duffy (Blackburn), Stephen Ward (Burnley)

Midfielders: Robbie Brady (Norwich), James McCarthy (Everton), Glenn Whelan (Stoke), Stephen Quinn (Reading), David Meyler (Hull), Jeff Hendrick (Derby), Wes Hoolahan (Norwich), Aiden McGeady (Everton), James McClean (West Brom)

Forwards: Shane Long (Southampton), Robbie Keane (LA Galaxy), Jon Walters (Stoke), Daryl Murphy (Ipswich)

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