Keane living for the present

ROBBIE KEANE will embark upon another World Cup qualifying campaign today insisting the memories of 2002 are firmly in the past.

The 28-year-old announced himself on the world stage in the Far East six years ago as the Republic of Ireland survived Roy Keane’s departure, after a furious bust-up with manager Mick McCarthy, to make a real fist of the competition.

Keane said: “That’s gone, that’s the past. In the first couple of games, it is important you get off to a good start. Psychologically, it’s very good and it stands you in good stead for the coming games.”

Keane said: “No-one wants to fail. Every player wants to play in big competitions, and there is no bigger than the World Cup.

“I am very lucky, I have played in one before but there are a lot of players who haven’t and I am sure they will be as desperate to get there as the players who have played there before.”

Keane has tipped former Spurs team-mate Dimitar Berbatov to make Manchester United even stronger.

“It’s a fantastic move for him, but it’s a massive one for United because he is a top player. He will be a massive addition to their squad.”