Tuesday 18 December 2012 18:43, UK
Robbie Keane has made it clear that he intends to use the next few months to recharge his batteries and get ready for the new Major League Soccer season, rather than take in a spell on loan in the Premier League.
Giovanni Trapattoni's men, currently third in Group C, travel to Stockholm on 22nd March before entertaining Austria at the Aviva Stadium four days later. "Sweden and Austria are the two teams that are going to be around us," said Keane. "I didn't see the game but I heard Sweden were very good against England and I think they are similar to us, not too many differences. "When you look at Germany, it's fair to say, they will win the group and it's up to us to finish second as we always do and go into a play-off. "We are still in with a shout and these two games are make or break but we have as much chance as anyone else." Don't miss any live and exclusive football coverage this festive season. Click here to visit Sky Sports' Festive Calendar