Robbie Keane confident he can provide goals for Republic of Ireland
Thursday 12 November 2015 13:39, UK
Robbie Keane says he still has "a lot to offer" the Republic of Ireland and can provide goals in their Euro 2016 play-off with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The 35-year-old is in contention to start Friday's first leg in Zenica as a replacement for the injured Shane Long and the suspended Jon Walters.
He faces competition from Daryl Murphy, but Keane believes his scoring record for both club and country is ample proof of his goal threat.
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Asked if he needed to remind O'Neill of his potency, Keane said: "I don't think I need to do that. I think 67 goals probably says that a little bit.
"I still have a lot to offer. I scored 20 goals in 24 games for the [LA] Galaxy this year, so it's not like I'm on my way out. I still score goals if I get the opportunities."
Keane scored twice in Ireland's 4-0 win over Gibraltar in September, but he was on the bench for last month's qualifiers against Germany and Poland.
If selected to start in Bosnia, he could be used as a lone striker, a task he admits does not suit him. However, he will happily fill whatever role is required.
"If I'm called upon anywhere, you want to play," Keane added. "Of course, every player wants to play. I haven't played for this long at a high level to be happy not to play.
"But the manager has to make a decision that's right for the team. The team is more important than any individual and if I play or am called upon, I'll be more than ready."
Keane is now in the twilight of his international career but insists he has not considered when he might retire.
He will, however, give it thought after Monday's second leg against Bosnia in Dublin.
He said: "I honestly haven't even thought about it. It's the last thing I want to think about right now. Ask me on Tuesday and I'll have a clearer picture for you. But there's no way I am thinking about it now."
As for what he will do when he eventually does hang up his boots, Keane revealed he would like to follow in the footsteps of namesake Roy and work as a Republic of Ireland coach at some point in the future.
"It would be something I would enjoy. I think I have got a lot to offer with the players but I don't want to speak about it too much because I still love playing the game," Keane said.
"I am going to play as long as I can but certainly if something came up in the future, to be involved somewhere, as an assistant manager or as a manager maybe further down the road, it is certainly something I would be very, very interested in."
