ROBBIE KEANE HAS paid tribute to his fellow Ireland strikers and says the talent in the current team is fair greater than what Mick McCarthy had at his disposal in South Korea and Japan.
In 2002, the LA Galaxy player was joined by Wimbledon’s David Connelly, Clinton Morrison of Crystal Palace, a 35-year-old Niall Quinn and winger Damien Duff, who was used out of position during the World Cup finals.
Ten years on, Giovanni Trapattoni possesses four forwards who have all tasted Premier League action this season and his record goalscoring captain. Speaking at an FAI press conference this afternoon, Keane said:
“It’s a lot stronger (up front). Quinny was at the end of his career, and knew he was going to be a bit part player.
Now, everybody is desperate to play in the first game. The intensity and level of performance is naturally going to go up. As strikers, the lads have been doing very well at club level.”
Despite the emergence of Shane Long, Jon Walters and Simon Cox, Giovanni Trapattoni has spoke openly of his admiration of a Keane-Doyle partnership in the past and will start with that duo against Bosnia Herzegovina at the Aviva Stadium tomorrow.
While Doyle has been out-of-sorts at Wolves in recent times, Keane remains the first choice striker but added that it is essential for them to produce the goods in Ireland’s final warm-up game before heading to Italy for a training camp.
“It’s important we stake a claim. I’ve played with Kevin the most but for me it’s very easy to play with them all.”
The 32-year-old arrived to Dublin from the US on Monday carrying a minor hamstring injury which forced him out of his club’s fixture with Chivas USA, and the Dubliner explained that he believes playing on an unfamiliar surface was to blame.
“We played the week before on an astro turf, which I’m not used to playing on. My body reacts differently as I’ve been playing so long on grass.
“I couldn’t sprint or even run three-quarter pace. Luckily, it wasn’t a tear.”
“Of course I was (worried). I knew it wasn’t too bad. It was a little nerve in the hamstring but I have trained the last few days and thankfully I’m okay.
“For any player, the last thing you want is an injury but I’d prefer a little niggle to a bad one. You may not believe it looking in from outside but it’s amazing what one or two days can do for you.”
A utd thread and the first 5 comments are all ABU….. First season out of the top 4 in almost 20 years and were written off, I suppose when were back in the top 4 we will be accused of “resigning Howard Webb” :-)
I think it’s more the fact that United won last year and this year with the same players they have been shocking! It’s embarrassing to call themselves champions!!
Chin up kev
Every non Man Utd supporter hopes he will be given time.
Arsenal, Chelsea and City have made it interesting? Yes, but does it hurt him that much he can’t even admit Liverpool have been just as impressive? United under Moyes have no chance at winning anything! But I agree, give Moyes time! It’s working wonders for everyone else :)
Damn straight! Give him LOADS of time. Maybe next season they can push for the Europa???
Lets not get ahead of ourselves here. Let them get 6th next season before they even think about Europa. They can dream tho
He did something right though signed Juan Mata
If he fails to beat Olympiacos over the two legs, then it’s time to go. Either look for Jurgen Klopp or someone with true success
Andre Villas Boas is available.
Why would anyone want to go there? Klopp is managing a champions league side and a team that are far better!!
In one way Dave though, Klopp is being pillaged by Bayern Munich. Strategy there seems to be to just buy out the rivals best players!
True, but he has only one team picking off the better players! United have Chelsea, City and even Arsenal getting ahead as the players choices!! And the original statement is still true that United are not as good a team and Klopp would be taking a backward step!!
Two things Dave. 1st off tell me one player Arsenal have signed that United wanted in recent years? Secondly, why would anyone go to Manchester United? If you are seriously asking that question then you know very little about football.
Time to drive them into the ground #lovinit
Love the way Liverpool fans think it’s all lovely and roses in the Liverpool camp, with them doing so well and all, even though the only difference between them and united has been 11 points this season… Hey least united will be in action next Wednesday… I mean is there even a difference between the managers in terms of silverware??? but no, Liverpool to dominate for the next 20 years!!! United to hopefully not be relegated!!!
David Moyes wont last 6 years at Manchester United.
Ok, will settle for 5 :)
I love the way 16 people have red thumbed that comment. If you think United have too much class to sack Moyes you are deluded!
A true united fan clearly. …