Keane expected to keep captaincy

Republic of Ireland and Tottenham striker Robbie Keane is expected to retain the captaincy at White Hart Lane despite being said to have organised the Christmas party that infuriated Harry Redknapp.

Redknapp held a meeting with the players involved in the trip to Dublin nearly two weeks ago and it is understood the matter was resolved amicably, with a donation being made to charity as a result.

Keane’s leadership has been put under scrutiny as a result but the captaincy was not thought to be an issue during Redknapp’s meeting.

The Spurs boss was embarrassed as he had no knowledge of the party and days afterwards warned about clubs sanctioning festive celebrations.

Since the party Spurs lost to Wolves but bounced back with wins against Manchester City and Blackburn.

Keane was on the bench for the two wins, with Michael Dawson taking the armband.

Dawson has been praised by goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes for his part in a solid back four.

Gomes said: “They are unbelievable. They give me so much confidence.

“They work so hard. Michael Dawson is an unbelievable player, Benoit (Assou-Ekotto) on the left, Charlie (Vedran Corluka) on the right, Sebastien Bassong, they are in such good form at the moment.”