Robbie Keane: 'Richard Dunne is desperate to play again'

Republic of Ireland skipper Robbie Keane has revealed that teammate Richard Dunne is "desperate" to get back out on the pitch after almost a year out.

The 33-year-old missed the entire Premier League season for Aston Villa following a series of groin and hip injuries.

Keane told reporters: "I know he wants to. I have been rooming with him, so I know he is desperate to play.

"It's been a frustrating season for him. Obviously he hasn't played since the Euros, so I know how much it means to him.

"To come back and hopefully even play 20 minutes or something like that would certainly be good for his confidence, and to see where he is himself because it's been a tough year for him with his injury."

Giovanni Trapattoni's side face Georgia on Sunday.