Rep of Ireland v Scotland: Grieving Robbie Keane could miss qualifier

Republic boss Martin O'Neill is hoping that Keane will be able to play in Saturday's game in Dublin

Robbie Keane's participation in the Republic of Ireland's Euro qualifier against Scotland on Saturday appears in doubt after the death of a second relative involved in a work accident.

Keane's cousin Stephen Harris died in hospital on Friday morning two days after the death of his brother Alan Harris following a sewer accident.

Republic boss Martin O'Neill said on Friday that Keane was "quite down".

"It's entirely his decision if he wants to participate," said O'Neill.

"It's obviously very bad news this morning as well too so he's not great, I must admit.

"Obviously, we feel for the family."

O'Neill said he hoped that the Republic's record goalscorer and team captain would be emotionally fit to take some part in the Scotland match at Dublin's Aviva Stadium.

LA Galaxy striker Keane trained with the squad on Friday morning but the skipper did not undertake his customary role at the Republic's pre-match news conference.

Republic defender John O'Shea said Keane's team-mates were offering him support following the death of his two cousins.

"There's obviously good morale around him. We'll look after Robbie," said the Sunderland player.

"He's a very good professional but obviously sometimes football does take a back step when something like this happens."

The 65-goal record scorer was left on the bench for the reverse fixture at Celtic Park in November - the first time he had not started an international when available for 13 years - and the Irish suffered a 1-0 defeat.

Keane, 34, has played little football for LA Galaxy since early April because of a groin injury but was hoping to get the nod to start in the crucial Group D game.