He returned to Ireland at the weekend after making a second debut for Spurs to find the country suffering the effects of the credit crunch and wintry weather but having been lifted by the national rugby team’s Six Nations victory over France.

Now he is hoping to repeat the dose by guiding the Republic to a World Cup qualifying victory over Georgia tonight to take them level on points at the top of Group Eight with reigning champions Italy.

Keane said: “The way things are going with the economy, everyone is struggling a little bit and sometimes sport can give people a lift.

“Certainly the rugby team did that at the weekend and it is up to us now to go out and hopefully give the nation another little lift.

“We are well aware the way things are going, not just in Ireland. We understand and realise how it is difficult for people.

“But one thing we can assure people is that we will always go out there and give 100% and, if we can, give people a little bit of a lift and take their minds off the way things are going with the economy. That’s good for the nation.”

Completing a double over the Georgians – Ireland won 2-1 when the sides met on neutral soil in the German city of Mainz in September – would round off a good week or so for Keane.

However, whatever else has been going on in his career will be forgotten when he pulls on the green shirt and sets about the task of reining in Italy.

He said: “It’s completely different. You have to switch over, if you like.

“Playing for your club week in, week out is great, but coming out with your country, for me it is brilliant.

“I have to be fully focused and concentrated on what I am going to do for Ireland and not worry about what’s happening in England or what has happened before.

“As far as I am concerned, I will concentrate 100% on the Ireland job.

“I have always appreciated playing for Ireland, that’s never been a factor, ever.

“I love playing for my country, and that’s never changed since I was 17. I love coming over, I love being involved in the Irish team.”