Tardelli: Keane can be our Hammer

MARCO TARDELLI is backing Robbie Keane to take out the frustrations of a difficult season on Macedonia.

Sidelined at Spurs and injured almost as soon as he’d been granted an entry visa by West Ham, the Ireland captain has recovered from a calf problem in time to once again lead from the front for his nation on Saturday.

And, judging from what he’s seen of Keane in training at Malahide this week, Ireland’s assistant manager reckons the record-breaking striker is rearing to go.

“Robbie Keane has impressed me the most considering he has been out of action for many days,” said Tardelli.

“I have found him fit, there has been a smile on his face and he is in good form. After the injury, playing against Macedonia is a good motivation for him — I think this is a good chance for him to play well. His experience will be very important for us.”

Worryingly, Damien Duff failed to train for a second consecutive day yesterday, confining his exertions to the gym but, even though he is nursing an inflammation of his Achilles, the Irish management continue to give an upbeat assessment of his prospects.

“Damien is fine, he feels good and it was our plan to let him rest as he has a little problem,” said Tardelli. “But I spoke to him this morning and for Saturday he will be on the pitch.”

Further encouraging news came with the sight of Richard Dunne taking a full part in training for the first time while the fact that defensive partner Sean St Ledger sat out the session was being described as no more than precautionary after he received a knock to the knee in training the previous day.

Seamus Coleman was also able to train after sitting out Tuesday with an ankle problem, while Darron Gibson joined the squad following his late arrival from Manchester, where he was having treatment on a toe injury.

However, Ireland will be short one striker following confirmation that Leon Best has had to return to Newcastle United for further treatment on an ankle problem.

As the build-up to Saturday’s game continues, Liam Lawrence’s criticisms of the rigidity of Giovanni Trapattoni’s 4-4-2 system were a talking point in Malahide, with Tardelli revealing that he’d spoken to the Portsmouth winger about his comments to the media..

Was Lawrence in trouble then? “No, absolutely not,” said Tardelli. “He is a good boy. He knows what he said, he knows what was written. He didn’t say that (we must change). He didn’t say that. He said that it is possible sometimes to change. And for us it is possible sometimes to change — it depends on the team we are playing against. But, now, 4-4-2 is the best formation for us. We have the players to play it. If we were to change we would need other players. We can always put five in midfield as well. But we are playing 4-4-2 anyway!”