My biggest game yet, says Keane

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND striker Robbie Keane has hailed today's derby with Arsenal as the biggest game of his Tottenham career.

"The Arsenal game is the biggest since I've been at the club, there's a lot riding on it. It's important for me personally and for the players at the club that we can achieve what we want to achieve, and that's Champions League.

"The key against Arsenal is not to lose the game. If we get something, if we get a point there then great.

"But if we play the way we have been playing I think we have a great chance. We know Arsenal are right behind us, they have a game in hand and it will be a massive game. Of course we are looking over our shoulders, it is only natural that we do.

"Over the last few weeks a lot people have been saying that Tottenham will slip up soon but at the moment we have not.

"As the game gets closer and closer you hear the fans talking about it. It's a massive game for the fans and for ourselves. There's a lot riding on it. For the players it is a great to play in."

Keane added: "Football is my life. If I am not playing every week, or only now and again it is very difficult. I try not to get myself down. I can be miserable at home no problem because I can get away but when I come into training I can't be.

"This is the most enjoyable and satisfying season I've had. Obviously at the start, I was not playing as much as I'd have liked but when I did get in it has completely changed round for me. I'm delighted.

"Obviously I'm feeling settled because I've been here longer than at other clubs I've been at. I felt settled at other clubs but because of circumstances I had to leave.

"It's been a great year for me, one of my best. To be made captain of your country is a dream. If I'm being honest I would never have thought that at 25 I would have been the captain. It's been a tremendous year for me and I don't want it to end."

Even if Spurs manage to clinch fourth place at the end of the season, Arsenal can still rob them of a place in the Champions League if they win Europe's top prize.

But Keane pulls no punches when he says he wants Arsenal to lose in the final if they get there.

"If Arsenal get to the final of course we want them to lose. It's as simple as that. We've got to look after ourselves."