www.cardiffcity.com has learnt overnight that either Lee or former City loan player Glenn Crowe (now with Bohemians in Ireland) will be Keane's replacement in the squad for Irelands Euro 2004 qualifier with Russia in a fortnight's time.
Meanwhile Lennie Lawrence believes Graham Kavanagh can get back into the Republic's squad.
Lennie: Kav good enough to get back into Irish side.
LENNIE LAWRENCE has expressed disbelief at the omission of Cardiff City skipper Graham Kavanagh from the Republic of Ireland squad this week.
Bluebirds boss Lawrence saw the Republic record a 2-1 win over Australia at Lansdowne Road on Tuesday - and believes the Irish manager, Brian Kerr, should have included the City midfielder in his squad.
Dublin-born Kavanagh has been capped by his country three times but his last appearance - against Northern Ireland - occurred more than four years ago.
Lawrence said, "I can't believe Kav was not in their side. I was looking at their squad and they had some good players, but there were quite a few who were chronically short of match-fitness.
"Who plays and who does not play for the Republic of Ireland is none of my business - but I can't believe Kav was not involved."
With striker Alan Lee's arrival last week, Lawrence now has four players on his books who can play for the Republic - Kavanagh, Willie Boland, Gareth Whalley and Lee.
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