Keane has thirst for revenge against Israel
Keane has not forgotten the heartbreak of their World Cup qualifier in Tel Aviv two months ago, when Ireland were stunned by an injury-time equaliser from Abas Suan having led since the fourth minute courtesy of a Clinton Morrison strike.
The two points Ireland were denied ultimately prevented them from going into the return clash with a two-point cushion in Group Four.
Instead, Ireland are fourth as they trail group leaders France and second-placed Israel by a point, albeit having played a game less, while they also have an inferior goal difference to third-placed Switzerland.
In terms of qualifying for next summer’s World Cup finals, the match in Dublin is a pivotal one for both teams, but with Spurs striker Keane declaring: “We’re quietly confident.
“We would like to get one back on them because when we went over there we deserved to win the game, but they scored in the last minute.
"We know at Lansdowne Road we need to get a good result to take into the game against the Faroe Islands on June 8. That is going to be a tough game, but then any game away from home is tough.”
Steve Finnan arrived in Dublin yesterday, but there are no guarantees the Champions League winner will play against Israel.
“Steve will receive further treatment from our medical staff in relation to the thigh injury he picked up in the Champions League Final last week and a decision on his fitness for the game against Israel will be made later in the week,” said Brian Kerr.
The news of Alan Maybury is not as good, with the Leicester City defender withdrawing with a pelvic injury.
Alan Lee of Cardiff City has been added to the squad.
Meanwhile, Israel playmaker Yossi Benayoun has admitted his team-mates are feeling the pressure.
The Racing Santander midfielder was one of 21 players who took part in Israel’s light training-session in Colchester yesterday before revealing that success is all down to inspirational coach Avraham Grant.
“There is a massive responsibility on all the players,” said Benayoun, who has scored three goals in Israel’s campaign so far. “But this match against Ireland is our Cup final.
“Everyone knows that if we lose this one, there will be a 90% chance that we will not play in the World Cup.
“We are facing a very good team and I can’t even remember the last time they lost at home.”
But the playmaker is confident the visitors can leave Dublin with maximum points.
“We are capable of causing an upset and winning,” he continued.
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