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.”