MARTIN O’NEILL HAS hailed Robbie Keane as one of Ireland’s ‘finest ever players’ after the striker this afternoon announced his decision to retire from international football.
The 36-year-old will play his final game in green against Oman in next Wednesday’s international friendly at the Aviva Stadium, bringing the curtain down an a 18-year career.
With 67 goals from 145 appearances, Keane will step away as the country’s record caps and goalscorer having made his senior debut against Czech Republic back in March 1998.
“Robbie’s appearances and goals for Ireland speak for themselves,” O’Neill said.
“He is undoubtedly one of Ireland’s finest ever players and I do not see his international goal record being beaten for a very long time, if ever. It will take us some time to get over his absence.”
The Dubliner appeared in three major international tournaments and scored in 15 consecutive years to place him 15th on the list of all-time international goalscorers.
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Good to see talent being used intelligently between the provinces.
We only have four professional senior teams and need to build on what we have before going outside. That’s not trying to be myopic as we have benefitted greatly from our overseas players and will hope continue to do so when needed.
@Con Cussed: Covid sorta made it their only option
@rugbyanbeer: One of the few positive things from COVID-19.
@Con Cussed: 110% agree with you .
Chris Farrell has had so little game time I think he should have been released also.
Good to get cover in at 9 for the next few weeks. It’s looking likely that Casey will be called up to the Irish squad over the next few weeks
@Patrick O Connell: Should definitely get a call up. Highly touted youngster who has done well this season. If you think lack of senior experience is an issue, capping James Ryan before he had played a senior club game (bar an ‘A’ appearance for Munster) didnt turn out too poorly!
@running man ; Next Friday the 13th of November kicks off the Autumn Internationals. Welcome to rugby.
What Ireland duty is Murray now on?