Robbie Keane- Focus is on a Win
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Robbie Keane feels that three points against Bulgaria tomorrow will be a huge boost for Ireland’s chances of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. The Irish skipper says that the squad is fully focused on the game and that a win would end Bulgaria’s qualification hopes. “It will be too far for them to catch us. We have to concentrate on winning tomorrows game and then we don’t have to worry about Bulgaria after that. Our main focus is on getting a win.
Keane, who is back at White Hart Lane after ending his Liverpool nightmare, is glad that his ex Spurs teammate Dimitar Berbatov will not be playing at Croke Park tomorrow. Rumours have circulated that the Manchester United could be passed fit for the game and the Spurs captain is all too aware of his ex-strike partner’s qualities. “I’m not to sure if he will be there or not. If he does play he is a fantastic player as I know first hand. He is obviously one of their best players and it’s a big blow for them but we just concentrate or worry on just one of their players.
Giovanni Trapatonni however also had serious injury problems ahead of the game after Damien Duff withdrew from the squad with a torn hamstring. Duff, who along with Keane played and scored in the 2002 World Cup, will be a big miss according to the Irish skipper. “It’s a massive blow to us. He is a very important player but it gives someone else an opportunity to come in and play well. Steven Hunt will come in and give it all like he always does.
Tomorrow’s game however is just the first test in a crucial week for Giovanni Trapatonni’s men. On Wednesday night Ireland travel to Bari to take on World Cup holders Italy but the captain says that his focus is solely on Bulgaria for now. He said: 'Of course, it's a big test, but we need to get over the first hurdle first against Bulgaria tomorrow 'That is what we are concentrating and focusing on, and then we will focus on Italy.
On Wednesday night the Tottenham striker should come up against a familiar face in the Italian dug out. Italy manager Marcelo Lippi signed the Irish striker for Inter Milan from Coventry , for a fee of £13 million in 2000. Keane, who has since gone on to become Ireland’s record goal scorer with 37 goals in 86 games, is looking forward to the showdown match. 'Of course, it is going to be a tough game. They are champions and it's going to be a tough game, but these are the games as a player you want to be involved in. 'You want to play against the best teams and the best players, and Italy certainly have them. 'That's something we are looking forward to - after the Bulgaria game.'
Keane, who is back at White Hart Lane after ending his Liverpool nightmare, is glad that his ex Spurs teammate Dimitar Berbatov will not be playing at Croke Park tomorrow. Rumours have circulated that the Manchester United could be passed fit for the game and the Spurs captain is all too aware of his ex-strike partner’s qualities. “I’m not to sure if he will be there or not. If he does play he is a fantastic player as I know first hand. He is obviously one of their best players and it’s a big blow for them but we just concentrate or worry on just one of their players.
Giovanni Trapatonni however also had serious injury problems ahead of the game after Damien Duff withdrew from the squad with a torn hamstring. Duff, who along with Keane played and scored in the 2002 World Cup, will be a big miss according to the Irish skipper. “It’s a massive blow to us. He is a very important player but it gives someone else an opportunity to come in and play well. Steven Hunt will come in and give it all like he always does.
Tomorrow’s game however is just the first test in a crucial week for Giovanni Trapatonni’s men. On Wednesday night Ireland travel to Bari to take on World Cup holders Italy but the captain says that his focus is solely on Bulgaria for now. He said: 'Of course, it's a big test, but we need to get over the first hurdle first against Bulgaria tomorrow 'That is what we are concentrating and focusing on, and then we will focus on Italy.
On Wednesday night the Tottenham striker should come up against a familiar face in the Italian dug out. Italy manager Marcelo Lippi signed the Irish striker for Inter Milan from Coventry , for a fee of £13 million in 2000. Keane, who has since gone on to become Ireland’s record goal scorer with 37 goals in 86 games, is looking forward to the showdown match. 'Of course, it is going to be a tough game. They are champions and it's going to be a tough game, but these are the games as a player you want to be involved in. 'You want to play against the best teams and the best players, and Italy certainly have them. 'That's something we are looking forward to - after the Bulgaria game.'
