We can win the group, insists Keane

STAYING ahead of Bulgaria in the chase for second spot may be first priority in Group 8 of the World Cup qualifiers but Robbie Keane is adamant Ireland can still knock Italy off the summit.

The Tottenham striker’s late strike in Bari has left the Republic just two points behind the Azzurri with both teams having played six games although Italy’s goal difference is three superior.

“Of course we can,” said Keane when asked if Ireland could still usurp the world champions in the final reckoning. “We are still hanging in there. We still have Italy to play at home and we still have some tough games away as well, but Italy do as well. It is still hanging in the balance.”