Keane ‘nothing to lose’ at Hammers

ROBBIE KEANE maintains he has “nothing to lose” as the Republic of Ireland skipper looks to fire West Ham out of the relegation zone — starting at Blackpool tonight.

Along with fellow January arrivals Wayne Bridge, Gary O’Neil and fellow forward Demba Ba, the 30-year-old is expected to be thrown straight into the action by Avram Grant as his men battle for Barclays Premier League survival. The terms of Keane’s move from Tottenham are complicated, initially on loan until the end of the season with a view to making a £6million deal permanent for the next two-and-a-half years, as long as the Irons maintain their top-flight status.

West Ham are Keane’s eighth club since he made the breakthrough at Wolves, and last season he spent a loan spell in Scotland with Celtic. The much-travelled frontman, though, is confident he can have an impact for his latest employers.

“It is something I am fairly used to now, coming to a new club,” Keane said. “It is an opportunity for me, and I don’t really have anything to lose.

“West Ham are bottom, all we can do is push up the table and I am here to hopefully do that to avoid relegation.

“I am here to help the team, if that is off the pitch also with the character I am, then that is great.

“The spirit is fine here, there are good lads and top quality players.”

Keane’s move across to east London brings to an end his second spell at Tottenham, having rejoined them from Liverpool two years ago.

The striker, though, is looking forward to a new challenge at Upton Park. “It was not a wrench to leave Spurs, because at the end of the day, I just want to play football,” he said.

Keane maintains his move to West Ham was not about keeping himself in contention for more international recognition.

“I have not really worried or thought about my position with the Ireland team,” he said.

“I have said before if I didn’t play for Ireland and someone else came in, I have always said I would walk away.”