Cool Keane on Galaxy quest

While much of the attention ahead of today’s MLS Cup final (kick-off 9.30pm Irish time) has focused on David Beckham’s farewell to America, Irish eyes will on Ireland captain Robbie Keane.

Both players will be key to LA Galaxy’s hopes as they look to retain the cup, in a repeat of last year’s final against the Houston Dynamo.

Keane has been in fine form of late, scoring three times in the 4-2 aggregate win over Seattle Sounders to secure LA’s place in the decider.

It’s a far cry from the start of the season when Keane was struggling for form and goals.

Galaxy manager Bruce Arena said this week that the prospect of captaining Ireland at Euro 2012 inevitably took from Keane’s club focus.

Arena said: “We see this all the time with players involved with national teams and significant competitions, their focus sometimes is a bit more on those championships with the national team. With Robbie, once he came back in late June, he was 100% committed to the Galaxy.’’

Keane is desperate to finish the year on a high note. “It’s been a good few months for us. It’s been a good turnaround. It would be nice if we could cap it off with a good win on Saturday.’’