Robbie Keane available for Republic of Ireland duty

Los Angeles Galaxy have granted Robbie Keane permission to join up with the Republic of Ireland squad for the friendlies against England and Georgia.

The 32-year-old had initially been ruled out of the games because they fell outside the international window.

The FAI revealed that after further discussions with his club, Keane would be available to face England at Wembley and Georgia at the Aviva Stadium.

"We've reached an agreement, which really means a lot to me," said Keane.

"I would like to thank LA Galaxy for reconsidering their decision and enabling me to make it to the games. I look forward to playing my part."

Keane will now be able to join up with his team-mates in London as the Republic prepare to play Roy Hodgson's men on 29 May and Georgia on 2 June.

The two games will be used by manager Giovanni Trapattoni to finalise his preparations for the World Cup qualifier against the Faroe Islands on June 7, which is followed by a trip to New York for a friendly against World and European champions Spain.

Keane is Ireland's most-capped outfield player, having amassed 123 caps and is the nation's record international goalscorer with 54.

He only recently returned to action for his Major League Soccer club after missing a number of matches because of an ankle injury.

The LA Galaxy striker played in the Republic's 0-0 World Cup qualifier draw in Sweden in March but missed the 2-2 draw against Austria four days later because of a calf injury.

Norwich City winger Anthony Pilkington is out of all the Republic's upcoming games because of a knee injury.