Keane torn between two loves

HERE’S a conundrum with which it’s safe to say Robbie Keane never thought he would have to wrestle: who is he going to be supporting when Shamrock Rovers play Spurs in the Europa League?

“I was waiting for that one,” grins the man who has a foot in each camp, having been born in Tallaght and only recently departed White Hart Lane for LA Galaxy.

“I’d like to see Rovers progress to help Irish football in general but obviously it will be a tall order,” says the Ireland skipper. “But I was delighted to see the draw, it’s great for Irish football in general, and especially for Rovers being in Tallaght. I’m sure it’s going to be a great occasion for them.

“I’ve been getting updates all the time from the family, and it’s great to see how well Rovers are doing at the moment. It needed something like this to help them progress and let people from afar see that the League of Ireland is a good league.

“Playing in England people wouldn’t have been very aware of the league here, to be honest with you, so what Rovers have done so far is great.

“It will be a brilliant occasion when they play a top, top team like Tottenham and I hope to get an opportunity to see it.

“If I’m home I’ll definitely be there.”