Carrick pays tribute to 'on fire' Keane

Tottenham’s England midfielder Michael Carrick has hailed striker Robbie Keane for leading the side towards a place in next season’s Champions League.

The Republic of Ireland ace has taken over the captain’s armband at White Hart Lane after a foot injury ruled first-choice skipper Ledley King out of action for the rest of the season.

Keane has been inspirational in attack – scoring his 16th Barclays Premiership goal of the season against Arsenal at Highbury last Saturday – but Carrick insists the Irishman should also be praised for his leadership qualities as Martin Jol’s side close in on their dream prize.

Spurs only have to win both their remaining games at home to Bolton on Sunday and then away to West Ham to make sure of fourth spot in the Premiership. Even then Arsenal can still wreck their dream by beating Barcelona to win the Champions League in Paris.

Carrick said: “He (Keane) is absolutely on fire. Since he came in just before Christmas he has been electric and just seems to be getting better and better.

“He has had the captain’s armband over the last couple of weeks and that has probably given him a lift, along with more responsibility. Robbie and Aaron Lennon were simply outstanding against Arsenal – especially in the first half - and I thought Aaron was brilliant and caused them all sorts of problems.

“Robbie’s only 25 and, if you are meant to peak at 28-30, there are a few boys in the squad who will be interesting to watch over the coming years.

“Robbie has been a top player for a number of years now, but the way he’s been playing over the last few months has been magnificent.

“From what I know he has always been a team player, he just keeps on improving and having more influence.

“He is coming to the stage where he is one of the older and more experienced ones. He wants to do that little bit more to help the lads and it is great to have someone like that in your team.”

Meanwhile injured King , racing to be fit for this summer’s World Cup in Germany, has taken time out to herald the arrival of reserve striker Lee Barnard to Jol’s squad.

Barnard has scored 19 goals in the reserves this season – one more than his total for last term – and has finally broken through into the first-team ranks.

King, who also made his way into the first team through the Spurs ranks, said: “I have worked with him over the last two or three years and have seen what a talent he is.

“He seems to be getting better, his goalscoring record in the reserves speaks for itself, and you were just wondering when he was going to get his chance. There was not much more he could do at reserve level.

“We have been waiting for him, he has been getting better and better training with the first team and he is a great finisher.”

Barnard could get another first-team opportunity against Bolton this weekend if Egyptian striker Mido fails to shake off a knee problem in time.