Roy Keane: 'Seamus Coleman as vital as Gareth Bale'

Republic of Ireland assistant boss Roy Keane has downplayed the significance of Gareth Bale's absence when his side takes on Wales in next week's crunch World Cup qualifier.

The former Manchester United player insisted that the loss of captain Seamus Coleman to long-term injury and Jonathan Walters to a knee problem are as big a blow for Ireland as Bale being sidelined is for the opposition.

"He is obviously an important player for them but we are missing Seamus Coleman and Jon Walters," Sky Sports News quotes Keane as saying. "They are as important to us as Bale is to Wales so that is life."

Ireland take on Moldova at home on Friday before travelling to Wales to round off their qualifying campaign the following Monday.

One of the two home nations will stand a chance of reaching the finals if they win their remaining games.