Robbie Keane has turned down a request to return to club Los Angeles Galaxy to help the Republic of Ireland seal their qualification for the UEFA EURO 2012 finals.

The Galaxy face Houston Dynamo in the MLS Cup Final on Sunday and had asked if Keane could be released after Ireland's 4-0 play-off first-leg victory in Estonia on Friday night.

However, the 31-year-old politely declined, in order to lead the Irish in tomorrow night's second leg in Dublin in anticipation of a glorious celebration.

Manager Giovanni Trapattoni confirmed the news in Malahide this afternoon, and also revealed three changes to the team which started in Tallinn.

John O'Shea will replace the injured Stephen Kelly at right-back, while Stephen Hunt will take over from Aiden McGeady on the left side of midfield and Kevin Doyle will return from suspension to partner Keane in attack in place of Jon Walters.