Big night for injured Ireland captain Keane
Robbie Keane delivered one of the worst performances of his magnificent international career last time out for the Republic of Ireland as they drew a Euro 2012 qualifier away to Slovakia.
The display, which featured a saved penalty and missed sitter, prompted boss Giovanni Trapattoni to say: "He didn't play like he can. I could have given him a rest, I could have changed one or two players and in the future it's possible I could try this situation."
And while the idea of the nation's captain and record goalscorer being dropped for a Championship front man may seem wild, if Shane Long strikes up a good partnership with his former Reading team-mate Kevin Doyle against Norway tonight, things could get very interesting. He's [3.55] to score.
Republic of Ireland are [2.5] favourites to pick up only their second victory in four at their new and shiny Aviva Stadium this evening, however it wasn't just Keane who was poor last month, while their visitors head to Dublin in fantastic form that has seen them jump to 13th in the world rankings.
Ex-Wimbledon boss Egil Olsen has led his country to the top of a group featuring World Cup sides Portugal and Denmark with three straight wins and they've also beaten Montenegro and France in recent friendlies, so this is anything but a home banker, and Norway can't be written off at [3.3].
It's an intriguing team that Trapattoni has picked though in the absence of regulars Kevin Kilbane, Richard Dunne and Paul Green. Fans will have a chance to look at youngsters Greg Cunningham and Darren O'Dea on rare starts at the back, while Keith Fahey has an opportunity to impress.
Republic of Ireland v Norway
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Live on Sky Sports 1
How do you see tonight's encounter going? Have your say in the box below...
Published: 17 Nov 2010
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