Robbie’s star rises in LA

Last weekend saw Robbie Keane win his second MLS Championship in as many years, scoring yet again when it mattered most for LA Galaxy in a 3-1 victory over Houston.

For some strange reason, Robbie has never really received the plaudits he richly deserves — especially at home — for what he has done for Ireland. His goalscoring record for our country is nothing short of remarkable. He has always turned up for every single trip, regardless of his club schedule and his patriotism is clear for all to see. In stark contrast, there are some nations where their “star players” pick and choose their games.

A lot of people raised their eyebrows when Robbie chose a different avenue in heading to America for the next chapter in his career. After playing in the Premier League for numerous clubs for over a decade, as well as a stint in Italy with Inter Milan and, of course, a loan move to Celtic, he obviously felt he needed a change. Having played at that level for such a long time, I don’t think a move to a team struggling at the wrong end of the Premier League would have appealed to Robbie. I’m sure when he left Spurs he had numerous options but I can see why he chose this new adventure.