Keane looking forward to 100th cap
Credit: Extratime Team (ETPhotos)
Robbie Keane had a particular shine about him at the Aviva Stadium this morning ahead of his 100th international cap against Argentina tomorrow night, kickoff 7.45pm.
The Spurs striker will become the fourth player to notch up a century of appearances for the Republic and the idea of the all-time top scorer joining the 100 club was not lost on him.
He’ll join fellow teammates Shay Given and Kevin Kilbane, as well as former player and boss Steve Staunton in the players to make it into three figures against a star-studded Argentina squad tomorrow night.
“As a young kid you’d never think you could reach a 100th cap. Years ago I didn’t think about it but as you get closer and closer you do think about it.
“I still have that buzz and enthusiasm for the game. I always want to play for my country, I’ve never been one to pull out of squads for any reason. I love playing for my country.”
As a whole, things look to be on the up for Keane as his form for Spurs during pre-season has also impressed onlookers.
“I feel good, sharp and did a lot of training off-season. I didn’t have a lot of time off, I feel really good and sharp. I’ve played nearly every game in pre-season.”
“You’ve to work hard to get fit and get yourself into the team for the first game of the season.”
While the skipper is now the man for younger members of the squad to look at for guidance, the Dubliner revealed that it was Niall Quinn that influenced him most back in ’98 when he made his debut.
“As you get older, you’ve more knowledge of the game and you understand the game a bit more,” he says.
“Coming into the Irish setup at 17, Niall Quinn was the player that helped me. To play with him, someone I respected as a player was brilliant. Not just on the pitch but off it as well, it was great to be given so much advice.”
Keane's son Robbie Jnr will be given the honour of leading out his dad tomorrow night, meaning that there is even more to be proud of for one of Ireland’s greatest players.
"I’m really looking forward to the occasion, particularly as my little lad is going to be the mascot. That’s great for me. Having him on the pitch with me will make it an even more special occasion.”
With all the personal accolades in the palm of his hand, you can be forgiven for asking how Keane keeps himself motivated on the international stage. Nevertheless, a push towards 50 goals must now be his personal ambition after tonight’s milestone.
Bobby Charlton holds the record for most international goals scored in all of the isles with 49 and the drive towards seven more strikes could easily be achieved by the 30 year-old.
“It would be great to beat it and I certainly feel I’ve a few more goals and caps left in me, so it would be a great achievement.
“But more than that I want to help us qualify for the European Championship,” the ever pragmatic striker added.
The Spurs striker will become the fourth player to notch up a century of appearances for the Republic and the idea of the all-time top scorer joining the 100 club was not lost on him.
He’ll join fellow teammates Shay Given and Kevin Kilbane, as well as former player and boss Steve Staunton in the players to make it into three figures against a star-studded Argentina squad tomorrow night.
“As a young kid you’d never think you could reach a 100th cap. Years ago I didn’t think about it but as you get closer and closer you do think about it.
“I still have that buzz and enthusiasm for the game. I always want to play for my country, I’ve never been one to pull out of squads for any reason. I love playing for my country.”
As a whole, things look to be on the up for Keane as his form for Spurs during pre-season has also impressed onlookers.
“I feel good, sharp and did a lot of training off-season. I didn’t have a lot of time off, I feel really good and sharp. I’ve played nearly every game in pre-season.”
“You’ve to work hard to get fit and get yourself into the team for the first game of the season.”
While the skipper is now the man for younger members of the squad to look at for guidance, the Dubliner revealed that it was Niall Quinn that influenced him most back in ’98 when he made his debut.
“As you get older, you’ve more knowledge of the game and you understand the game a bit more,” he says.
“Coming into the Irish setup at 17, Niall Quinn was the player that helped me. To play with him, someone I respected as a player was brilliant. Not just on the pitch but off it as well, it was great to be given so much advice.”
Keane's son Robbie Jnr will be given the honour of leading out his dad tomorrow night, meaning that there is even more to be proud of for one of Ireland’s greatest players.
"I’m really looking forward to the occasion, particularly as my little lad is going to be the mascot. That’s great for me. Having him on the pitch with me will make it an even more special occasion.”
With all the personal accolades in the palm of his hand, you can be forgiven for asking how Keane keeps himself motivated on the international stage. Nevertheless, a push towards 50 goals must now be his personal ambition after tonight’s milestone.
Bobby Charlton holds the record for most international goals scored in all of the isles with 49 and the drive towards seven more strikes could easily be achieved by the 30 year-old.
“It would be great to beat it and I certainly feel I’ve a few more goals and caps left in me, so it would be a great achievement.
“But more than that I want to help us qualify for the European Championship,” the ever pragmatic striker added.
About Alan Smith
Alan Smith works as a sub-editor for the Guardian newspaper in London. Originally from Cork, he freelances for several other newspapers and websites. Follow him on twitter @alansmith90. View Full Profile