Cunningham: Robbie should retain captain's armband

New Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni should keep Robbie Keane as captain, according to former Irish skipper Kenny Cunningham.

The former Wimbledon stalwart captained the Republic during Brian Kerr's reign as manager and although acknowledging there are other worthy candidates for the captain's armband at Trapattoni disposal, he does not see the need for change.

However, Cunningham does not underestimate Trapattoni ability to improve the Republic's footballing fortunes, describing the Italian supremo as a "strong appointment".