Richard Keogh an injury doubt for Denmark play-off

The Republic of Ireland have a fresh injury concern ahead of their World Cup play-off against Denmark.

Sean Maguire has already been ruled out, James McCarthy is a major doubt and now Richard Keogh is facing a fitness battle for both legs of the upcoming Denmark battle. Keogh would not be in the starting XI for the Danes if Martin O'Neill has a fully-fit backline. Shane Duffy and Ciaran Clark is the boss's preferred central defensive partnership but Keogh is the first-choice back-up. Plus he has previous play-off experience having played in both legs of the Euro 2016 play-off against Bosnia & Herzegovina. The 31-year-old defender was taken off after just eight minutes in Derby's 4-2 Championship defeat to Reading and after the game, manager Gary Rowett's comments have cast doubts over his involvement in Ireland's next big task.

"Richard came off with a quad strain - I don't know how bad it is but I would suggest it wouldn't be a good idea for him to travel. We hope it turns out to be not too bad."

These are the two biggest games in the Republic of Ireland team's calendar and they're already down a suspended David Meyler in Copenhagen. No more injuries, please.