Mentor Keane to offer advice
Robbie Keane today delivered a simple message to the Republic of Ireland’s emerging crop of youngsters: “Go and enjoy yourselves”.
Reading striker Shane Long makes his debut against San Marino in tonight’s European Championship qualifier at the Serravalle Stadium, partnering captain Keane in attack.
Another six potential debutants in Stephen Hunt, Darren Gibson, Stephen Quinn, Anthony Stokes, Andy Keogh and Darren Randolph will be anxiously wondering if they are on the bench.
Keane has been impressed by what he has seen from the young boys in green, who almost upstaged their more experienced counterparts in a 10-a-side training match at the ground yesterday.
“We robbed them in the end by scoring two goals in the last few seconds, so that made us happy,” joked Keane.
It would appear the youngsters are hardly in need of any advice, with Spurs forward Keane adding: “There’s always responsibility when you are captain.
“With the young players coming in, you see things and try to help them as much as you can.
“I’ve spoken to Shane, told him a few things and he took them on board, so hopefully things will work out between us.
“I’ll certainly speak to the others if they want any advice, but I won’t specifically go up to them and talk to them.
“The best piece of advice I can give them is something I was told, and that’s ’just enjoy it’.”
Tonight’s game is akin to an FA Cup clash in which a Premiership club face a potential upset against lower-division opposition at a compact ground.
The Serravalle Stadium holds just 5,000 in two stands either side of the pitch, and is in a picturesque setting, surrounded by rolling hills.
Keane is unconcerned, however, adding: “The players are used to such places because we grew up playing on small grounds.
“Obviously, it’s great to play in big stadiums and in front of big crowds, but this won’t be a problem.
“We’re simply out to get a result and that’s the most important thing, so we don’t worry about it.”
Keane scored the first hat-trick of his international career last November when the Republic beat San Marino 5-0.
That stretched San Marino’s losing record in European Championship games to 37, with 168 goals conceded, including 23 in three games in their current Group D campaign.
Despite that, Republic boss Steve Staunton said: “They’re going to be difficult.
“We have to start quickly, be patient, use our heads and ability on the ball to break them down because we know which way they’re going to play.
“I hope they come out and play. That will make life easier for Robbie and Shane, but I don’t see it.
“To be fair, they do work hard and they will keep going for as long as they can, but we don’t need to give them any encouragement.”
Preston goalkeeper Wayne Henderson starts in goal with Shay Given out injured, while Manchester City’s Stephen Ireland wins his third cap in the centre of midfield.
