Keane goal a tribute to late father

Robbie Keane today made Republic of Ireland history – and then dedicated his feat to the memory of his late father.

Keane scored the third goal in Ireland’s 3-0 victory over Cyprus as manager Brian Kerr’s side made the perfect start to their World Cup qualifying campaign.

Spurs striker Keane had fluffed two first-half chances, but when Damien Duff was tripped inside the area 10 minutes into the second period, there was only one man who was going to take the penalty.

Keane stepped forward and comfortably stroked home the spot kick for his 21st goal in the green of Ireland, equalling Niall Quinn’s record.

The 24-year-old, however, has taken just 53 matches to achieve the milestone, compared with 91 for Quinn, and providing Keane remains injury-free then he could easily go on to push the mark beyond 30 or 40 goals.

Although Keane was delighted with his achievement, he could not help but recall his father, Robbie snr, who died of cancer in March last year.

“This was a great result for us and it was a great team performance as well,” reflected Keane.

“It was a special moment for me to equal the record and I would like to dedicate it to my father.

“It would be nice now to beat that record on Wednesday when we face Switzerland, but I know that first and foremost comes the result.

“But I would so like to put this record out of sight – maybe then people will stop asking me questions about it all the time!”

After recently being sidelined by an ankle injury which resulted in him missing the start of the Premiership season and not returning to action with Spurs until just 10 days ago, Keane was also understandably delighted to come through his first full 90 minutes of this campaign.

“I know I was off the pace a little today, but come Wednesday I am sure I will feel a lot sharper,” added Keane.

“But it was good to get back. I didn’t think I would return for these games (the qualifiers) because I felt my injury would keep me out for a lot longer.

“So I am just happy to be here, and to score as well makes it extra special.”

Ireland required a degree of patience before finally breaking down the Cypriots in the 33rd minute of this Group Four clash in front of a 36,000 crowd at Lansdowne Road.

Birmingham striker Clinton Morrison had previously twice gone close before finally breaking the deadlock and ending his own international goal drought at 777 minutes.

Morrison glanced home Duff’s left-wing cross, the goal taking the pressure off Kerr’s side and they then doubled the lead four minutes later courtesy of a stunning 25-yard left-foot curler from man-of-the-match Andy Reid.

After Keane’s 56-minute penalty, it required a number of fine saves from Cyprus goalkeeper Nikos Panayiotou to prevent the Republic from adding to their tally.

But Kerr was more than satisfied as he said: “I am delighted we showed patience in the first half when we needed to and that we kept our composure, which was one of the most satisfying aspects of the game.

“Before the match we would have settled for a 3-0 scoreline, and overall I am happy with the performance and we can now go to Switzerland with a good win behind us.

“There were a number of pleasing contributions, with Andy Reid scoring the great goal on top of what was an excellent performance.

“I was also delighted with the way Robbie and Clinton worked as a partnership. They gelled well together.

“It was great to see Clinton scoring. Not everybody appreciates all the work he gets through, but as a link man and for winning the ball in the air, he is excellent.

“As for Robbie, I am pleased for him. That goal now takes some of the pressure off him.”

The result did not quite match the two 4-0 victories Ireland enjoyed over Cyprus in the last qualifying campaign ahead of the finals in Japan and South Korea.

But Cyprus’ Serbian coach Momcili Vukotic believes Kerr’s team have every chance of winning the group which also includes France.

“I always knew it wouldn’t be easy, and even though the Irish are without the likes of Roy Keane and Matt Holland, they are a strong football nation,” said Vukotic.

Ireland showed they have plenty of players ready to step into the side and they will cause problems for all the other teams in this group.

“We had no-one to match Andy Reid, Robbie Keane and Damien Duff, and this game showed there is a long way for us to go before we catch up with the Irish.

“Cypriot football has to develop gradually – miracles don’t happen overnight.”