Keane to be handed Republic armband

The Republic of Ireland’s all-time leading goalscorer Robbie Keane will today be confirmed as his country’s new captain.

Keane is surprisingly to be awarded the armband as part of the new regime under boss Steve Staunton following the retirement of former skipper Kenny Cunningham. Keane's ’debut’ will happen tomorrow when he leads the team out for the Lansdowne Road friendly with Sweden.