Robbie playing it cool over record bid

Robbie Keane is determined not to lose focus as his quest to become the Republic of Ireland’s record goalscorer continues this weekend.

The Tottenham striker needs to hit the net just two more times for his country to equal the mark of 21 goals set by Niall Quinn.

That record could well fall over the next few days as Ireland are taking part in the Unity Cup against Nigeria at The Valley this afternoon and then Jamaica on Wednesday night.

Keane, though, maintains he will not let the pressure get to him after failing to improve on his tally against Romania in Dublin on Wednesday when he brought up his 50th full international cap.

“It would have been nice to have scored, but that’s the way it goes sometimes. I had a couple of chances and the keeper made some good saves,” said the 23 year-old.

“It is not something I think about. If it happens, then it happens – but I will just keep playing the way I have been and if I score, then so be it.

“It was, though, very pleasing to get my 50th cap for my country.”

Roy Keane made his long-awaited return to international football against Romania in midweek, but will not be taking part in the forthcoming Unity Cup matches or next week’s friendly against Holland in Amsterdam.

The Manchester United midfielder will, though, probably be named in the squad for the friendly at home to Croatia in August.

However, with United facing a Champions League qualifier at around the same time, Keane is unlikely to be back until the World Cup qualifying double-header at home to Cyprus and away to Switzerland in September, before a date with France a month later.

Ireland boss Brian Kerr will, nevertheless, look to field a strong side against Nigeria as he bids to preserve a run of just one defeat from his 15 matches in charge, although he will give some of the youngsters a chance against Jamaica on Wednesday.

Robbie Keane believes this weekend’s matches will be a good work-out for the whole Irish squad.

He said: “We know it is going to be tough. Nigeria are a physical side, but with a lot of skill as well.

“We can’t take anything for granted, but it is something we are all looking forward to.”

He added: “It can only improve Irish football with the young lads coming through.

“I am only 23, but feel like one of the older guys in the squad. They have come in and not looked out of place at all.”

Matt Holland grabbed the winner against Romania and the midfielder believes the return of Roy Keane to the international fold can only be good for the future of Irish football.

“Roy is a world-class player and with him in the side we have a better chance of qualifying for the major tournaments,” said the Charlton skipper.

“It was a massive disappointment on missing out on Euro 2004. We would really like to qualify for the World Cup and hopefully Roy can help us achieve that aim.”

Addicks boss Alan Curbishley has again been linked with a move away from The Valley, this time to Liverpool following Gerard Houllier’s dismissal last week.

Charlton’s captain, though, maintains the constant rumours are something the players learn to live with.

Holland said: “You always get speculation about a top young manager, but that’s just football and is not something we worry about at all really.”