By Mark Jones
DUBLIN — Roy Keane is doubtful for the Republic of Ireland’s European championship games against Yugoslavia and Macedonia next month following an ankle injury that forced him to limp off during Manchester United’s 2-0 FA Cup final victory over Newcastle at Wembley.
Although Keane had to be substituted in the opening stages of what was yet another convincing triumph for Manchester United, he was able to hobble up to accept the trophy as captain.
Referring to his arrest in a Manchester bar after an incident in which he was left with a cut above his eye, Keane said, "People say I’ve had a bad week, but I’ve two medals in my pocket and the chance of my teammates winning another for me in the European Cup final."
During celebrations after United had clinched the English Premiership title, Keane was involved in a fracas with two women, one of whom alleged she had been kicked by the Irish midfield star.
Keane is suspended for the last leg of a quest for an unprecedented treble when United attempt to win the European Cup for the first time since 1968 when they take on Bayern Munich in the decider in Barcelona today.
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Ireland manager, Mick McCarthy, is already resigned to being without Steve Staunton for both European games which are both under threat because of the conflict in the Balkans.
May 26-June 1, 1999