Republic of Ireland striker Robbie Keane plays down reports of a rift in the camp

Robbie Keane has insisted that rumours of a row in the Republic of Ireland squad will have no effect on the team's performance.

Ireland defender Stephen Kelly reportedly refused to board the team plane to the Faroe Islands this morning after a row with assistant coach Marco Tardelli.

Kelly eventually agreed to travel after Irish manager Giovanni Trapattoni intervened.

Keane thinks that bust-ups between players and staff are nothing new and does not see any conflict impacting negatively on Ireland's qualifier against the Faroes on Tuesday.

He told Sky Sports News: "Listen, there are always going to be rifts in the camp and we certainly know that as players.

"The players who are not playing are going to be disappointed, that's normal. Every week since I have been playing football, every week there is one argument in the team. It's normal, it's natural and it happens all the time.

"We are in this together and we have to stick together. The manager has a contract and of course the players want to see that continue."

The 32-year-old has shrugged off a persistent Achilies problem to be named in the starting lineup to play the Faroes tomorrow night.