Norwich City midfielder Wes Hoolahan missed training on Tuesday as the Republic of Ireland prepared for their big Euro 2016 qualifier with Germany tomorrow night at the Aviva Stadium.

Hoolahan picked up a heel injury in the Canaries' 2-1 home defeat by Leicester City. Everton's Seamus Coleman also sat out training because of the hamstring problem that has ruled him out of action for the last number of weeks.

Ireland's assistant manager Roy Keane said: 'Wes has a knock on his heel from the weekend and it's pretty sore.

'The fact he didn't train today tells you it must be sore.

'I think with Wes' injury another 24 hours will make a big difference to it. Obviously Seamus hasn't kicked a ball for three or four weeks now so he would be more of a concern. We'll see how it goes.'

The Irish could be without a number of players against the world champions, with Glenn Whelan and James McClean also suspended.

'That's life isn't it? You just have to get on with it,' said Keane.

'We had it from day one. Most managers and staff in international football will tell you the problem is you turn up and have the injuries and suspensions we've got this week. That's part of the game.

'We'd like everyone to be available. Kevin Doyle has just flown in this morning and we're still waiting for Robbie (Keane) to arrive. It's not ideal but what do you do? You just have to face it and hopefully the lads might be fit in the next day or two.'

Robbie Keane will be ready to face Germany, if selected, days after becoming a father.

The 35-year-old Los Angeles Galaxy striker was not due to arrive in Dublin until Tuesday evening after his wife Claudine gave birth to the couple's second son on the other side of the Atlantic.

Asked if his former team-mate would be available for the showdown with Group D leaders Germany at the Aviva Stadium, Ireland's assistant manager said: 'Yes, why wouldn't he be?

'He didn't have the baby. Unless he's breast-feeding he should be all right.'

Frontman Keane was part of the team which secured a famous 1-1 draw with the world champions last October, and a repeat at the Aviva could have a major say in whether or not they make it to the finals in France next summer.

That result came amid an uncharacteristically slow start to the campaign by Joachim Low's men, who have since put together a run of five successive qualifier victories.

While Keane admits the Germans will be a different proposition this time, he is confident Ireland have improved.

He said: 'I think we are a stronger team. Like you'd expect with any campaign, teams improve.

'We were still new to the job at the time and, yes, I think we are a better team.

'But certainly Germany's form, as you would have expected – they were a bit sluggish at the start, but with all the qualities they have it was only a matter of time before they started winning matches and topped the group, no doubt.

'But we will be ready.'