ROBBIE Keane’s lack of match practice may have been a factor in Ireland only drawing in Slovakia last night, admitted Giovani Trappattoni.

The striker failed to convert a penalty kick and also missed a clear chance in front of goal inside the final ten minutes. Keane has been out of the Tottenham team this season, appearing only three times in all competitions so far.

“I know Robbie can improve his condition” Trappattoni told the Irish Independent. “When he said he wanted to stay with Tottenham I agreed with him, because he would play a game or an hour here and there. I hope that will happen in the next month.”

“Missing penalties is not a problem. The problem is I know he is not 100% fit. He didn’t play like he can,” Trapattoni added, speaking to PA.

Although Keane did not have one of his better matches in a green shirt in Zilina, there was no doubt in Trappattoni’s mind that Keane can still be an important player for Ireland.

“He has experience and is confident with the ball, although he was missing the technique a little bit. The last game he scored a goal so the goalkeeper knows where he placed the last penalty. He was tired and I could have changed him. But psychologically it’s like killing him.”