Carrick hails Keane’s contribution

TOTTENHAM’S England midfielder Michael Carrick has hailed striker Robbie Keane for leading the side towards a place in next season’s Champions League.

The Republic of Ireland ace has taken over the captain’s armband at White Hart Lane after a foot injury ruled first-choice skipper Ledley King out of action for the rest of the season.

Keane has been inspirational in attack — scoring his 16th Barclays Premiership goal of the season against Arsenal at Highbury last Saturday — but Carrick insists the Irishman should also be praised for his leadership qualities.