ROBBIE KEANE MAY be hoping to extend his LA Galaxy career by ‘a few more years’ but there should be no surprise at the longevity of the Ireland striker’s career.
The all-time Irish record scorer has the ‘strength of character to survive’, according to his former Spurs teammate David Bentley.
“He’s a great player. A good lad. Always got on with him. He has that strength of character to survive as long as he has. He’ll keep going. He loves what he does. A good lad.
“(He’s) one of the best that’s been. A great player. His movement, his commitment to what he does, his skills levels, he’s fantastic. No matter where’s he gone, he’s a good player.”
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Bentley admits to being bemused at the notion that there is debate in Ireland over Keane’s stature.
“But it happens all the time, no matter how good you are, it’s a game where everyone has an opinion. Some people like you and some people won’t. But I think he is (one of the best you played with). Brilliant player.”
David Bentley and Robbie Keane in action together for Spurs against Everton in 2009. PA Archive / Press Association Images
PA Archive / Press Association Images / Press Association Images
Keane isn’t the only Irish soccer personality that Bentley heaps praise upon.
The 30 year-old former England international may have retired from soccer last year, citing a loss of passion for the sport, but he is keen to credit Liam Brady for his help in shaping his career.
It was Brady who brought Bentley through as a youngster in Arsenal.
“Yeah, Liam Brady was the one who brought me to Arsenal. He was the one that nurtured me up and looked after me. Great guy. Very hands on.
“He took my parents to dinner when I was 12 and talked about my future. He was always the one that nurtured me up. He was talking to me every day. He’s a great guy.”
David Bentley pictured ahead of the 'The Toughest Trade', a documentary commissioned by AIB, which airs on TV3 tonight at 10pm. Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE
Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE / SPORTSFILE
No surprise that Robbie's still going - 'He has that strength of character to survive'
ROBBIE KEANE MAY be hoping to extend his LA Galaxy career by ‘a few more years’ but there should be no surprise at the longevity of the Ireland striker’s career.
The all-time Irish record scorer has the ‘strength of character to survive’, according to his former Spurs teammate David Bentley.
“He’s a great player. A good lad. Always got on with him. He has that strength of character to survive as long as he has. He’ll keep going. He loves what he does. A good lad.
“(He’s) one of the best that’s been. A great player. His movement, his commitment to what he does, his skills levels, he’s fantastic. No matter where’s he gone, he’s a good player.”
Bentley admits to being bemused at the notion that there is debate in Ireland over Keane’s stature.
“But it happens all the time, no matter how good you are, it’s a game where everyone has an opinion. Some people like you and some people won’t. But I think he is (one of the best you played with). Brilliant player.”
Keane isn’t the only Irish soccer personality that Bentley heaps praise upon.
The 30 year-old former England international may have retired from soccer last year, citing a loss of passion for the sport, but he is keen to credit Liam Brady for his help in shaping his career.
It was Brady who brought Bentley through as a youngster in Arsenal.
“Yeah, Liam Brady was the one who brought me to Arsenal. He was the one that nurtured me up and looked after me. Great guy. Very hands on.
“He took my parents to dinner when I was 12 and talked about my future. He was always the one that nurtured me up. He was talking to me every day. He’s a great guy.”
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