SCOTLAND ASSISTANT MANAGER Mark McGhee has fondly recalled a young Robbie Keane, who the coach handed a senior debut to during his tenure as Wolves boss back in 1997.
McGhee, who comes head to head with his former player this Friday as the Scottish team take on Ireland in a vital Euro 2016 qualifier, remembers being highly impressed by the Dubliner as a youngster, telling Herald Scotland.
“I always believed he could be special. Even at that age he was sensational and he’s had a sensational career.
“One of the things that has impressed me about him is that over the years he has matured. He has really become a man, coming from being a kind of Jack the lad little Irish boy, to quite a serious and respected individual, captaining his country.
“It’s a fantastic rise. He’ll be relishing this game, going to Parkhead, for sure.”
McGhee also denied that the game with Ireland this week was a must-win encounter, but admits that it has overshadowed their upcoming clash with England.
“Absolutely no disrespect to the England game, it’s not irrelevant, but it’s on a different level from the Ireland game. This is the most important game of our tenure, there’s no doubt about it.
“It’s a huge opportunity for both teams to take the advantage if one of us could win it. It’s all about qualifying for France. We could beat England 6-0, but it doesn’t get us to France. This is the game.”
Very good read i cant wait for huge Gavin to play for them look’s like all irish side’s have plenty of dept and strength
Murray, you left Shayne Bolton out of your back 3 assessments, probably the most explosive back in the squad, behind Mack, of course!
@Mary Corrigan: Was that him running in tries against Glasgow? looks a tidy player.
@Thesaltyurchin: Yes, it was!
@Mary Corrigan: Hope he can stay healthy!!! Really want this lad to get some luck this season…Pace and Power bottled.
At some stage this season hoping that we have Santi @ FB, Mack and Bolton on the wings!!
That’s a tasty back 3!
I’ve a feeling Ioane is going to be a dud signing. The Chiefs fans I’ve come across online are delighted to be getting rid of him
@5sZl1dX2: Sometimes a player needs a change of scene to recapture his form
Some gems in the Connacht Squad, Gavin, Ioane, Cordero who should make their mark this season.I still feel Connacht is the IRFUs greatest uptapped opportunity for a number of reasons.
Firstly there are quality players at Leinster who wont get much game time, think Scott Penney, Harry Byrne or Rob Rusell. All would be in the mix for a Connacht European match day 23
Secondly the current Connacht squad is particularly week in the front five. Just investing in acquiring 3 international players at SR, LH and Hooker would substantially level up Connacht and make those European away games more winnable for them. Wish the IRFU would allocate a few million more to Connacht and help them move into ERC knock out contenders
@Owen ODonoghue: One thing connacht never lack for are speedy outside backs, so Russell might not get many more games than at Leinster. Penny would at best be 2nd choice at 7 to Moose, who was Connacht’s best player in a strong back row. You’re mostly right about the tight five, but our international locks (Dillane and Thornbury) moved on because Connacht couldn’t afford to hold onto them, especially with RO’G headhunting Dillane.