Andrews backs ‘brave’ Robbie but decides to go his own way

UNLIKE Robbie Keane, Keith Andrews had no qualms about dropping down a tier in England earlier this month but the midfielder praised the Ireland captain last night for a decision that has split opinion on both sides of the Irish Sea.

Keane and Andrews, both Dubliners in their early 30s, have long been friends having crossed paths at Wolves earlier in their careers and the pair were in regular contact to discuss their immediate futures over the summer.

One was deemed surplus to requirements at Tottenham Hotspur, the other was on the fringes at Blackburn Rovers.