Bournemouth midfielder Harry Arter has been ruled out of Ireland’s crunch European qualifier against Scotland this weekend.

Arter, who featured as a substitute in last weekend’s goalless draw with England, picked up a groin and thigh injury after joining up with Martin O’Neill’s 27-man squad.

Meanwhile, Robbie Keane will be hoping to lead the Irish line this Saturday and has been cleared of a groin problem by Irish backroom team.

Republic of Ireland assistant manager Roy Keane said: "Harry is out of the squad. He's gone back to England because he's had a hip problem. He's not coming back."

Ireland will need nothing short of a win to keep them in the hunt for qualification for the 2016 European Championships, with Scotland running out one-nil winners in the reverse fixture back in November.