Move may be just the spur for Keane

ROBBIE KEANE will go into Ireland’s fascinating European Championship qualifying tie against Russia tonight flush with confidence from his World Cup success and a handsome new contract with Tottenham.

Keane (22), Ireland’s goal-scoring hero at the World Cup, again shoulders most responsibility for producing a goal tonight for Ireland in a match that is certain to have major influence on the trend of Group 10. A win or a draw for Ireland would represent significant success, defeat would put qualification hopes at risk.

“We have leant on Robbie consistently since he came into the team and he has responded wonderfully” said manager Mick McCarthy, “he just loves playing football and he is a huge influence on the way we play. He works so hard that you always believe he will have scoring chances.”