Trap expects Keane to perform

Ireland coach discusses skipper's club situation

Last updated: 2nd September 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Trap expects Keane to perform

Keane: Set to lead out Ireland

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Giovanni Trapattoni is confident Robbie Keane can perform at his best for the Republic of Ireland despite his lack of football at Tottenham Hotspur this season.

Keane has made just two substitute appearances for Spurs this term and he had been heavily linked with a move away from White Hart Lane before the transfer window closed.

A clutch of fellow Premier League clubs were chasing the striker, while reports also claimed the 30-year-old turned down a move to Turkish side Besiktas.

He has now linked up with the Ireland squad ahead of Friday's opening Euro 2012 qualifier against Armenia and has shaken off doubts over his fitness.

Keane had sported a knee brace on Tuesday, but trained normally 24 hours later and Ireland coach Trapattoni is expecting his captain to be on top form.

Mature

The Italian said: "Robbie is mature. I have spoken to him about whether he should stay with his club, and I said to him, 'Sure, your club need you'.

"He is balanced in his mind about football because he knows from many years in England, he knows the situation.

"But I am selfish and, at the moment, for the Ireland team, it is better he has played a few games.

"He is proud and I'm sure he can play like the Robbie Keane we know."