By Chris O'Brien
March 29 2005

After picking up a yellow card in Israel, Roy Keane will miss Ireland's vital World Cup qualification match against Israel in June. The United skipper remains confident the Irish will qualify for the 2006 finals, despite throwing away two points on the weekend. Roy Keane will miss the Republic of Ireland's crucial home qualifier against Israel on June 4th through suspension. Eire's captain was booked during Saturday's 1-1 draw in the first of back to back fixtures against the Israelis, meaning he is banned for the Lansdowne Road clash.

"We had a few cards coming into the game and the players were aware of that. But we've a decent squad of players, so we will just have to deal with it." said Irish boss Brian Kerr, who is still confident despite the loss of the influential Keane.

Ireland were denied a precious victory in Israel after a late equaliser gave the hosts a scrappy point, but Keane remains confident his country will qualify for the finals in 2006. Sitting top of Group D, unbeaten in 5 games, Ireland have been on good form after failing to qualify for the European Championships in 2004.

"It was a disappointing result because it was such a big game. In any qualifying group there is going to be ups and downs, and although we are down at the moment, we will be up again." announced an optimistic Keane.

"It is not as simple as just winning every match. We have to remember we have had one or two positive away results, and there is still a long way to go. We just have to accept what has happened, get on with it and be positive, and that is what we will do."

Meanwhile, Ireland host China in a friendly on Tuesday night. Kerr is expected to field a weakened side and Ro