Soccer:The Republic of Ireland squad swapped the training ground for the gym in their first session this morning, with captain Robbie Keane and defender John O'Shea the only absentees at Malahide United's Gannon Park.

Sunderland defender O’Shea worked in the gym yesterday and was, according to Giovannni Trapattoni, expected to take some part today, but despite there being no apparent concern over his ankle injury, “he needed to rest”, according to assistant manager Marco Tardelli.

Keane is due in later this afternoon, having stayed in Los Angeles for the Galaxy’s game against Chivas on Saturday night. The skipper played no part in the 1-0 defeat because of a slight hamstring strain but again it was reiterated today by management that there are no concerns over his fitness and he is not a doubt for Saturday’s Euro 2012 warm-up friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“No, the (Ireland) doctor spoke with him (Keane) and the Galaxy doctor and they both said that it’s a very small injury,” insisted Tardelli at his pitchside briefing after the squad ended with a 20-minute aerobic workout. “I think he will be ready for the next match.”

The injury list still includes Keith Fahey (groin) and Kevin Foley (hamstring). “I think Foley will train with us maybe tomorrow or Wednesday, and Fahey maybe Tuesday,” added Tardelli after both sat out the final workout on the pitch.

Glenn Whelan’s undoubted dedication to the cause was also in evidence today, after he arrived just two days after getting married to take part in training.

He has arrived into a happy camp, according to Tardelli.

“They are very focussed on what they are doing because they know that this is a very important trophy for us, the country and the people,” he said. “I saw the smiles on their faces and I think that that’s good for us.”