Keane thoughts drift to next year

THERE is still life in this season for Tottenham Hotspur, yet given the traumas both he and his club have endured it was hardly surprising to hear Robbie Keane counting down the days to next term.

A managerial sacking, the departure of a clutch of senior players and a flirtation with relegation have made 2008-09 a campaign to forget in this corner of north London, even if Harry Redknapp could yet enhance his Houdini reputation by taking the club into the Europa League.

Victory over West Ham at White Hart Lane, courtesy of Roman Pavlyuchenko’s smart goal, moved Spurs within sight of the seventh-placed finish that should seal a spot in the revamped UEFA Cup, although Redknapp preferred to focus on the achievement of easing past the 40-point mark to avoid relegation. Keane — whose wretched four-month spell at Liverpool still hangs heavy on his conscience — prefers to look upwards, even if the full benefits of Redknapp’s appointment will not be felt until next season.