Robbie using winter loan to get in perfect shape for summer

ROBBIE KEANE hopes to be at the top of his game for Euro 2012 after a Premier League loan spell at Aston Villa and more MLS football with Los Angeles Galaxy.

This could be Keane’s last opportunity to play for Ireland in a major competition and he cannot wait to get on the plane to Poland even if they must compete with Spain, Italy and Croatia once they get there.

“It looks like an easy group, we always wanted to get Spain!” Keane joked. “It is a tough group but we know the history of Ireland and we are always good when we are underdogs. I am sure we will go there and give a good account of ourselves.”

Keane has unfinished business with Spain from the 2002 World Cup game which Ireland lost on penalties.

“We should have won that game and were certainly the better team,” he protested. “When it goes to penalties anything can happen. But if you look at Spain from 10 years ago to now there are certainly a lot, lot better.

And the FAI’s decision to extend Giovanni Trapattoni’s contract has paid off, according to Keane, who has no plans to retire after the championships.

“It is great news that Trapattoni stays,” said the striker. “He is a top manager and he has shown that since he has been in the squad. He has lifted the whole country.

“As I have said before I am happy enough to carry on as long as I feel sharp. We’ll see after this European Championship how I feel and if I still feel sharp and good there is no reason for me to retire.”

Keane also wants to prove he can still cut it in the top flight after a dismal spell fighting relegation with West Ham before heading to California.

“I went there and was injured in my first game,” explained Keane about his time with the Hammers. “I was out for six weeks,.

“You always get little niggles, at the end of the season I pulled my groin and came back and played six games in two weeks with the national team and the play-offs. But I feel fresh, those little niggles are gone now.”

Trapattoni will be pleased the 31-year-old has taken a month’s rest and seven or eight games for Villa will mean the former Tottenham marksman will be at his sharpest.

“I’ve had a few weeks off, so it’s not like going from MLS straight into the Premier League,” said the Tallaght man.

“I feel good and sharp, I’ve had a good few weeks training now, one week with Spurs, one here.”