Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane returned to action last night with his club LA Galaxy. Keane started up front for the Galaxy in their MLS playoff win over New York Red Bulls. The Irish skipper played 82 minutes and almost marked his return with a goal – he hit the post from the edge of the box before Mike Magee went on to score the winner for Galaxy. Keane was rated as a major doubt for the Euro 2012 playoff with Estonia due to an abductor muscle injury but was named in the squad last week.

John O’Shea could miss both games due to a hamstring injury he picked up in Sunderland’s 2-2 draw with Aston Villa at the weekend. Sunderland manager Steve Bruce said “It is a concern because it is the same one he did in Germany [on pre-season tour] – it’s the same sort of thing he has done lifting his leg up.” O’Shea will have a scan on the injury today. Meanwhile Darren O’Dea suffered a knock on the head in Leeds United’s match with Birmingham City and then sustained another bang on the head in the 1-1 draw with Cardiff City.