Keane 'honoured' by captaincy
Robbie Keane has been confirmed as the new captain of the Republic of Ireland, with Shay Given taking up the role of vice-captain.
Tottenham striker Keane, Ireland’s all-time leading goalscorer, will lead out the team for the first time tomorrow for the Lansdowne Road friendly against Sweden.
A delighted Keane, with 25 goals and 64 caps to his name, said: “I am very honoured and privileged to be given the captain’s armband.
“I’m very grateful to ‘Stan’ [manager Steve Staunton] for putting his trust in me and believing I can lead this team.
“I certainly believe I can do it, so it’s a case of looking forward to what is a new chapter in my career, and in Irish football also.”
Explaining his reasons in appointing Keane, Staunton said: “I thought long and hard.
“I had a good chat with Shay, and to be honest he is the obvious candidate.
“But Shay leads from the front anyway. I don’t think he needs the armband, and I wanted somebody out on the park [an outfield player].
“Robbie is a world-class player, you only have to look at the clubs he has played for, while our lads respect him.
“He is certainly up for the job, and I know he will do a good one.”
Steve Finnan has returned to Liverpool with a neck injury, while Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison did not train today due to a tight groin, although Staunton insisted it was “nothing too severe”.
However, it means Reading forward Kevin Doyle will make his debut, along with Bolton right-back Joey O’Brien.
Staunton even opted to announce his line-up for the game which will be Given, Joey O’Brien, Andy O’Brien, Richard Dunne, Ian Harte, Stephen Elliott, Steven Reid, John O’Shea, Damien Duff, Keane and Doyle.
