Keane aims to tame Danes
Robbie Keane has set his sights on a 30th international goal as the Republic of Ireland look to prepare for next month’s crucial qualifiers with victory in the friendly against Denmark tomorrow.
Skipper Keane is aware of the importance of the trips to Slovakia and Czech Republic if they are to get out of Group D and reach the European Championships next year.
The clash with Denmark in Aarhus gives Keane an opportunity to reach the 30-goal mark but also other members of the squad to stake a claim for a place in the team for the September qualifiers.
Keane treats the game with the utmost importance, particularly with the combination of senior players who missed the summer’s US tour and the youngsters who impressed across the Atlantic.
“Every international is beneficial and the younger players coming through will get more experience before the two games coming up,” said the Spurs striker. “This is going to be a tough match but it’s a good test before those games.
“Since Stan (Steve Staunton) took over a lot of young lads have come through and games like this give them experience so these games are very important. It’s also good to get everyone back together and see the young lads involved.
“We have a good chance (of qualification), we have to play the Czechs away which will be a tough game, but the lads are fairly confident that we can qualify.
“It won’t be easy but if we have everyone fit and back in the squad we have a chance.”
Keane admits Ireland cannot afford to lose their September qualifiers, but placed particular emphasis on the second clash of the two, in Prague.
The Czech Republic are currently one point ahead of Ireland in the Group D standings, in what is becoming a straight race for second place behind Germany.
“It’s important that we don’t lose either game,” Keane stressed. “It’s important we get something out of the Czech game especially – if we lose it’s going to be a lot more difficult for us, we’re very aware of that.
“We’re going into the Denmark game hoping to get some confidence with the game coming up.”
Meanwhile, Keane has been surprised that Martin Jol’s future as Tottenham boss is being questioned.
“I feel all right personally,” Keane said of his start to the season. “But the team itself didn’t play too well in the first two games, that’s well documented.
“We haven’t played well, but the game on Saturday, I think that was coming, that’s us back to ourselves.
“I’m not making excuses but we’ve a lot of new players in, and it’s important that we gel together.
“Of course it will take a little bit of time but we showed on Saturday what we’re made of and hopefully we can take that into the next game this weekend against Manchester United.
“I am surprised at the speculation (about Martin Jol), but I’m focused on the job here so I don’t want to comment on things back at Tottenham.
“I’m with Ireland, Spurs is behind me now until I get back to training on Thursday. I’m fully focused on doing a job for Ireland now and that’s the most important thing for me.”
