Mark McGhee hoping old pal Robbie Keane doesn’t start

Scotland assistant boss Mark McGhee hopes to see his former star pupil Robbie Keane kept in reserve on Saturday —even if he feels the Ireland skipper is playing at the equivalent of League One level in America.

Just like Keane himself, McGhee was surprised Martin O’Neill opted to axe the player he handed his Wolves debut in 1997 when Scotland beat Ireland 1-0 last November.

Nothing less than victory will revive Ireland’s automatic qualification ambitions for France next year, meaning the imperative to deliver goals could favour Keane when it comes to O’Neill’s selection.

McGhee, as well as manager Gordon Strachan, managed the veteran striker for long enough collectively to realise the danger he possesses in front of goal hasn’t diminished because he’s approaching 35 next month.

One lapse could cost the Scots whenever Keane is lurking.

“I think at some point on Saturday, we will see Robbie Keane, whether it’s from the start or coming on,” said McGhee yesterday.

“I was delighted he wasn’t playing in Glasgow and I’ll be pleased again if he’s not playing.

“If he’s on the bench in a really tight game, I’d still worry about him coming on. We have to be aware of him.”

McGhee is far less impressed with the league Keane is currently plying his trade in. He said: “I watch a lot of MLS games and I think it’s not even Championship level. It’s probably League One getting on to Championship,”