Keane banishes the Cyprus hoodoo

ROBBIE KEANE handed boss Giovanni Trapattoni a precious victory in his first competitive game on home soil as the Republic of Ireland gained revenge over Cyprus at Croke Park last night.

The Liverpool hitman headed home the 35th goal of his senior international career with just five minutes gone to extend the Italian’s unbeaten run to six games and put his side firmly in the race for top spot in World Cup qualifying Group Eight.

But it took a superb 86th-minute save from Shay Given to deny Dimitris Christofi an equaliser as Cyprus emerged from a lethargic start to finally make an impression.