Robbie Keane

Robbie Keane
Robbiekeane ie.JPG
Personal information
Full name Robert David Keane
Date of birth 8 July 1980 (1980-07-08) (age 30)
Place of birth Tallaght, Dublin, Ireland
Height 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Playing position Striker
Club information
Current club Tottenham Hotspur
Number 10
Youth career
Crumlin United F.C.
1995–1997 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Senior career*
Years Team Apps† (Gls)†
1997–1999 Wolverhampton Wanderers 73 (24)
1999–2000 Coventry City 31 (12)
2000–2001 Internazionale 6 (0)
2001 → Leeds United (loan) 18 (9)
2001–2002 Leeds United 28 (4)
2002–2008 Tottenham Hotspur 197 (80)
2008–2009 Liverpool 19 (5)
2009–present Tottenham Hotspur 34 (11)
2010 → Celtic (loan) 16 (12)
National team‡
1998–present Republic of Ireland 100 (43)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 16:56, 9 May 2010 (UTC).

† Appearances (Goals).

‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 21:40, 28 May 2010 (UTC+1)

Robert David Keane (born 8 July 1980) is an Irish professional footballer who currently plays as a striker for English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur. He is also the current captain of the Irish national team, where he has 100 caps. With 43 goals, he is Ireland's all-time record goalscorer. Keane is the eighth highest goalscorer in Tottenham history and the eleventh highest goalscorer in the history of the Premier League.

He began his professional career at Wolverhampton Wanderers, scoring twice in his first team debut aged 17. The following season he was the club's leading goalscorer and scored his first international goal with Republic of Ireland. He changed club frequently between 1999 and 2002, breaking transfer fee records, but his brief spells at Inter Milan and Leeds United were unexceptional. He joined Tottenham Hotspur in 2002 and played there for six years. The 2007–08 season was the most fruitful of his career as he set a career record of 23 goals in a season, scored a landmark 100th competitive goal for Tottenham and won his first senior honour, the League Cup. He moved to Liverpool in July 2008 but he spent only six months at the club and soon returned to Tottenham and was made first team captain. In January 2010, Keane moved on loan to Scottish Premier League side Celtic for the rest of the season.

Keane is best known for his performances at Tottenham, where he gained repute as a consistent goalscorer and often finished the season having scored the most goals on his team. Keane's pedigree was reinforced when he became Ireland's record goalscorer in 2004 and Steve Staunton appointed him national team captain in 2006.

Contents

Club career

Early life

Keane was born on 8 July 1980 in Tallaght, Dublin, Ireland; the son of Robert Senior and Ellie Keane. He started his football career with South Dublin schoolboy side Crumlin United where his talent was recognised at an early age.[1] Keane received offers from both Liverpool and Wolverhampton Wanderers but decided to go to the First Division side, judging that it would be harder to break into the first team at Liverpool.[2] He moved to Wolves at the age of fifteen, joining their youth team.[3]

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Keane progressed through Wolves' youth ranks and made his professional debut aged 17 on 9 August 1997, scoring twice against Norwich City. The following season he excelled at the club, earning praise from both the press and Wolves manager Colin Lee.[4] He went on to be the club's leading scorer, with 16 goals in the 1998–99 season.[2] Keane's performances and goalscoring record with both Wolves and his national team attracted much interest from larger clubs and a move for the young striker seemed imminent given Wolves' finances.[5][6] However, with three years left on his contract, Wolves sought a high price for their Irish starlet and managing director John Richards stated his reluctance to sell Keane unless their asking price was met.[7]

Coventry City

Just weeks into the 1999–2000 season, he was sold to Premier League club Coventry City for £6m, then a British record for a teenager. Keane got off to a great start, scoring two goals in his debut. During a successful season at Coventry, he played a major role in a stylish attacking side boasting the likes of Carlton Palmer, Gary McAllister, Mustapha Hadji, Youssef Chippo and Gavin Strachan. He scored 12 goals in 34 games, many of them showpiece finishes, and came to both national and international prominence. Although his 12 goals and one season stay at the club may seem unremarkable today, his popularity among Sky Blues fans remains undiminished, with many pointing to his departure to Serie A as the principal catalyst in the club's eventual relegation after 34 consecutive seasons.

Internazionale

Marcello Lippi succeeded in obtaining Keane's signature, for a fee of £13 million.[8] Lippi went on to say "At that time at Inter, they had a policy of going for young players and Robbie Keane was the best one that I saw."[9] However, Keane's dream move to Italy soon soured when Lippi was sacked. Lippi's successor, Marco Tardelli, deemed Keane to be surplus to requirements. Keane's ambition refused to let him stagnate in Italy and in December 2000, he was loaned out to Leeds United after only 14 appearances and three goals for Internazionale in all competitions.

Leeds United

His Leeds career got off to an impressive start, scoring 9 goals in 14 starts before the Leeds manager, David O'Leary, made his loan deal permanent in May 2001 at an original cost of £12 million. The following season was not so bright, and he found himself dropping down the pecking order. His form suffered and he only managed 10 goals in 36 appearances. Meanwhile, Leeds' financial troubles forced the club to sell many of its players and Keane joined the exodus when he was sold to Tottenham Hotspur just before the 2002–03 transfer deadline for a fee of £7 million.[10]

Tottenham Hotspur

Robbie Keane, about to take a penalty at White Hart Lane

On signing him for Tottenham, manager Glenn Hoddle said that Keane was ideally suited to Tottenham and could make White Hart Lane his "spiritual home" for years to come. Keane had an impressive debut at Spurs, winning a penalty during a 3–2 win over West Ham. Keane's first goal for Tottenham came in a 2–1 win against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park. Although Spurs finished in a disappointing tenth place, Keane was their success story of the season, finishing as Tottenham's top scorer with 13 goals, including a spectacular hat-trick in a win over Everton at White Hart Lane.

In the 2003–04 season, Spurs battled with relegation, but Keane's goals played a major part in helping secure Tottenham's Premier League status. A hat-trick against Wolves and a last minute penalty to equalise in the North London derby against Arsenal were highlights as Keane once again ended the season as Tottenham's top scorer with 16 goals.

His third season, 2004–05, was more frustrating. Despite finishing with his highest return of goals in a season for Tottenham, 17, he played second-fiddle to the likes of Jermain Defoe, Fredi Kanoute and Mido for much of the season. The frustration culminated in Keane storming from the dugout towards the end of a game against Birmingham City in April 2005 after all the substitutes had been used, meaning he would not get a chance to appear. He was fined £10,000 and forced to train with the reserves after the outburst and his future at the club was thrown into doubt.[11][12]

The 2005–06 season started as the previous one had ended, with Defoe being preferred to partner Mido in Tottenham's strikeforce. However, Defoe's strike-rate continued to disappoint and Keane's persistence paid off in November when manager Martin Jol eventually gave Keane a chance to replace Defoe and stake his claim.

By March he had overtaken Mido as the top goalscorer at the club. Keane went on to finish the season with 16 league goals — making him the Premier League's joint fourth top goalscorer that season. He had also been made the vice-captain, taking the captaincy on occasions when Ledley King was not available.[12]

Hoddle once said of Keane's personality:

"He's such a bubbly lad that anyone who meets him loves him."

[13] Edgar Davids and Keane were involved in a training ground fight in December 2005, but the pair subsequently made up publicly and were seen encouraging each other on the pitch.[14]

In February 2006, Inter's owner and president, Massimo Moratti, admitted his regret at letting Keane go after being impressed by his performances at Tottenham.[15] Keane extended his commitment to Tottenham, signing a new four year contract in March 2006.[16] Keane was named as one of ten Spurs squad members to be struck down by norovirus on 6 May 2006. However, he still managed to play in their final game of the season against West Ham United.[17]

Keane had a slow start to the 2006–07 season which was further set back by a knee ligament injury that Keane suffered against Middlesbrough on 5 December 2006. His coming back from injury marked the beginning of a return to form and a dynamic partnership with Dimitar Berbatov. Keane and Berbatov were jointly awarded the FA Premier League's Player of the Month Award for April 2007. Keane finished the season with a total of 22 goals in all competitions – the highest ever season tally of his career – scoring 15 goals in his last 15 appearances of the season.

Keane started in his 200th appearance for Tottenham in the final game of the 2006–07 season against Manchester City scoring the first goal in a 2–1 victory that saw Tottenham secure fifth place in the league.

He signed a new five year contract with Tottenham on 28 May 2007.[18] On 26 December 2007 he became the thirteenth player in the history of the league to score 100 Premier League goals.[19] 2007 proved to be a remarkable year for the striker with a total of 31 goals and 13 assists from just 40 starts. His tally of 19 league goals in the calendar year was the highest of any player in the Premier League throughout 2007.[20]

He scored his 100th competitive goal for Tottenham in the 2–0 win against Sunderland on 19 January 2008. He is the fifteenth Tottenham player to achieve this feat. On 24 February 2008 he won his first senior honour as a player as his Tottenham side won the first League Cup Final to be played at the new Wembley Stadium, beating Chelsea 2–1 after extra time.[21] On 12 April 2008 Keane made his 250th appearance for Spurs in the 1–1 draw with Middlesbrough. Keane finished the 2007–08 season equal top scorer for Spurs with Berbatov, with 23 goals in all competitions. His 15 Premier League goals making him the first Spurs player to score double figures in the Premier League in 6 consecutive seasons.[22] Keane in his Tottenham career won the player of year three times (2003–04, 2005–06 and 2007–08); the first player to do so.[2]

His consistency and strike-rate attracted the attention of Premier League rivals Liverpool. Despite initial resistance to the sale and accusations of misconduct,[23][24] Tottenham agreed to a £20.3 million deal for the player.

Liverpool

Liverpool publicly announced their interest in Keane on 1 July 2008.[25] Amid accusations that Liverpool had unsettled the player, Tottenham Hotspur filed a complaint to the Premier League regarding the club's conduct.[24] However, on 28 July 2008, Tottenham confirmed the sale of Keane for £19 million (plus a potential £1.3 million in performance based compensation).[26][27] Keane agreed terms with Liverpool shortly afterwards, signing a four year contract with the Merseyside club.[28] Following the transfer, Tottenham withdrew their official complaint against Liverpool after the club made a donation to the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation and apologised for their behaviour prior to the deal.[29] Tottenham Chairman Daniel Levy publicly stated his dissatisfaction, saying he had been forced into transferring the player due to Liverpool's interference.[30] Keane was given the squad number 7, and scored his first goal for Liverpool on 1 October 2008 in a Champions League win against PSV Eindhoven at Anfield.[31] A second Champions League goal quickly followed scoring the opening goal in Liverpool's 1–1 draw with Atlético Madrid.[32] Premier League goals were less forthcoming but he scored twice for Liverpool against West Bromwich Albion on 8 November.[33] The double after a goalless spell came as a relief to the striker but he reflected upon the situation with maturity:

"The goals have been a long time coming but deep down I knew they would. I might have worried about it when I was younger but not now."

[34]

Robbie Keane, playing against Chelsea on 21 March 2009 at White Hart Lane

Six weeks passed before Keane scored again but it was a crucial equaliser against Arsenal, giving Liverpool a 1–1 away draw against their league rivals.[35] In the following Premier League match against Bolton Wanderers, Keane scored two more league goals to seal a 3–0 win for Liverpool.[36] During the January transfer window, Tottenham Hotspur made an approach for the striker and Liverpool accepted the offer, allowing the Irishman to return to his former club.[37][38][39]

Return to Tottenham

Keane rejoined Tottenham on 2 February 2009, signing for a basic fee of £12 million, potentially rising to £16 million with add-ons.[40] The deal meant that the cumulative transfer fees paid for Keane over his career amounted to around £75 million.[41] He signed a four-year contract with the north London club.[42] Keane was one of three players to make returns to Tottenham during the transfer window, along with Jermain Defoe and Pascal Chimbonda.[26] He was also made Tottenham vice-captain a week later,[43] after often deputising for Ledley King during his first spell there.[44][45][46][47][48] Keane scored his first goal since his return to the club on 4 March,[49] opening the scoring in the crucial 4–0 home victory against Middlesbrough.[50][51] He followed this up by scoring another vital goal, this time a last-minute equaliser, away to Sunderland in a 1–1 draw on 7 March.[52][53]

Soon after Keane's return to White Hart Lane, railway service Virgin Trains ran an advertisement with the slogan "A Liverpool to London return faster than Robbie Keane."[54] On his return to Liverpool on the final day of the season, he scored in a 3–1 defeat.[55] He received a generally warm reception from the fans despite scoring against them.

On 31 July 2009, Keane captained Tottenham to winning the Premier League Asia Trophy in a pre-season competition in China. He scored twice in the 3–0 win over Hull City inside Beijing National Stadium. On 26 September 2009, Keane scored four goals in a 5–0 win over Burnley.[56] During Tottenham's Carling Cup Fourth Round match, Keane scored one of two goals against Everton on 27 October 2009 at White Hart Lane.[57][58] He continued his scoring form with another against Sunderland in their 2–0 home win on 7 November 2009.

Celtic

On 1 February 2010, Keane signed for Celtic in a loan deal until the end of the 2009–10 season and was assigned the number 7 shirt, previously worn by Jimmy Johnstone and Henrik Larsson.[59][60] After signing for Celtic, Keane said "The club is brilliant. I am a Celtic fan and did not have to ask much about it. I always wanted to play for Celtic.[59] It's absolutely fantastic to be here."[61]

He made his Celtic debut in a 1–0 defeat on 2 February at Rugby Park against Kilmarnock.[62] He scored his first goal for Celtic in a 4–2 victory in the fifth round of the Scottish Cup against Dunfermline at East End Park.[63] He scored his first goal in the SPL against Aberdeen in the 4–4 draw on 13 February. Celtic were ahead 3 times during the match, only for Aberdeen to come back.[64] His first goal at Celtic Park proved to be the winner against Dundee United on 20 February.[65] He got his first sample of the Old Firm derby atmosphere against Rangers for the first time on 28 February, where Celtic lost 1–0. On 13 March 2010, Keane scored his first Celtic hat-trick in a 3–0 win Scottish Cup win over Kilmarnock,[66] and then scored a brace in a league clash against them two weeks later.[67]

On 12 April 2010, Keane was announced as Scottish Premier League monthly awards for March 2010.[68] On 19 April 2010, Keane was announced as Celtic's Fans' Player of the Year.[69]

International career

Keane was part of so called "Golden Generation" of Republic of Ireland youth football of the late 1990s. Under the guidance of Brian Kerr, the unfancied Republic won the UEFA U-16 and U-18 European championships in 1998, and Robbie was part of the victorious U-18 side in Cyprus.[70] In 1999, he played at the World Youth Cup in Nigeria, where the Republic reached the last 16 before going out on penalties to the hosts.

His first Ireland cap came against Argentina at Landsdowne Road in 1998 in a friendly. He made his first senior competitive appearance for the Republic of Ireland against the Czech Republic in Olomouc in March 1998, scoring his first senior goal against Malta in October that year. He won his 70th cap in the Republic's 5–0 defeat of San Marino, scoring a hat-trick along the way.[71]

Keane was selected by Mick McCarthy as part of the Republic of Ireland squad for the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan, scoring three goals in Ireland's four games. Keane scored an injury-time equaliser against Germany in the group stage match as the Irish surprised many by holding the former champions to a draw. This was the first of only three goals which Germany conceded in the tournament (the other two were scored in the final by Ronaldo). In the Round of 16 match against Spain, he scored a last-minute penalty to force the game into extra-time and a penalty shoot-out after the Irish had gone a goal down early in the first half, but eventually lost 3–2 on penalties.

Although the Republic of Ireland failed to qualify for the 2006 World Cup, Keane scored four goals in the Republic's eight qualifying matches and remains their most prolific goalscorer, topping the national team scoring charts.

Following Steve Staunton's appointment as the manager of the Republic of Ireland, Keane was appointed captain.[72] In their first game under Staunton, Keane scored the second goal in the 3–0 victory against Sweden at Lansdowne Road, and celebrated the final match at the Lansdowne Road stadium, against San Marino, with a hat trick.[71] Giovanni Trapattoni, who took over from Staunton, maintained Keane as team captain starting in his first game in charge against Serbia on 24 May 2008 which ended in a 1–1 draw.[73]

Robbie Keane warming up for Ireland

As captain, Keane led the team to a second place finish in the 2010 World Cup qualifying. He scored his 40th international goal against Cyprus, a header in the 83rd minute, which secured a 2–1 win for Ireland.[74] Along with Dimitar Berbatov, he topped the scoring chart in the qualifying group with 5 goals in 10 games. His 41st international goal came in the 2010 World cup play-off with France on 18 November 2009.[75] This was his 26th goal in competitive (non-friendly) internationals.

He won his 100th cap against Argentina in a friendly match on 11 August 2010. This match was also the first International football match at the new Aviva Stadium.[76]

Personal life

On 7 June 2008 he married former Miss Ireland contestant Claudine Palmer, in Ballybrack, South Dublin.[77] The couple had their first child on 10 May 2009, a boy named Robert Ronan Keane.[78][79]

Honours

Club

Tottenham

International

Republic of Ireland

Individual

(* Jointly shared with Dimitar Berbatov)

Career statistics

All-Time Club Performance
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Europe Total
App Goals App Goals App Goals App Goals App Goals
Wolves

(First Division)

 1997–98 38 11 3 0 4 0 45 11
1998–99 33 11 2 2 4 3 39 16
1999-00 2 2 1 0 3 2
Total 73 24 5 2 9 3 87 29
Premier League FA Cup League Cup Europe Total
Coventry City

(Premier League)

 1999–2000 31 12 3 0 34 12
Total 31 12 3 0 34 12
Serie A Coppa Italia Supercoppa Italiana Europe Total
Internazionale
(Serie A)		 2000–01 6 0 3 1 1 1 4 1 14 3
Total 6 0 3 1 1 1 4 1 14 3
Premier League FA Cup League Cup Europe Total
Leeds United

(Premier League)

 2000–01 18 9 2 0 20 9
2001–02 25 3 2 3 6 3 33 9
2002–03 3 1 3 1
Total 46 13 2 0 2 3 6 3 56 19
Tottenham Hotspur F.C.

(Premier League)

 2002–03 29 13 1 0 2 0 32 13
2003–04 34 14 3 1 4 1 41 16
2004–05 35 11 6 3 4 3 45 17
2005–06 36 16 1 0 1 0 38 16
2006–07 27 11 5 5 3 1 9 5 44 22
2007–08 36 15 3 2 5 2 10 4 54 23
Total 197 80 19 11 19 7 19 9 254 107
Liverpool

(Premier League)

 2008–09 19 5 1 0 1 0 7 2 28 7
Total 19 5 1 0 1 0 7 2 28 7
Tottenham Hotspur

(Premier League)

 2008–09 14 5 - - - - - - 14 5
2009–10 20 6 1 1 2 2 - - 25 9
Total 34 11 1 1 2 2 - - 39 14
Spurs Total 231 91 20 12 21 9 19 9 293 121
League Scottish Cup League Cup Europe Total
Celtic

(Scottish Premier League)

 2009–10 16 12 3 4 0 0 - - 19 16
Total 16 12 3 4 0 0 - - 19 16
Career Totals 419 157 37 19 34 16 36 15 525 206

Statistics correct as of matches played 9 May 2010

[80] [81]

Republic of Ireland national team
Year Apps Goals
1998 5 2
1999 8 3
2000 9 2
2001 7 1
2002 11 6
2003 7 4
2004 10 6
2005 7 1
2006 6 4
2007 8 3
2008 7 3
2009 11 6
2010 4 2
Total 100 43

International goals

Scores and results list Ireland's goal tally first

References

  1. ↑ Thomas, Phil (30 July 2008). "Keane: Move was a dream". The Sun. http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/article1486663.ece. Retrieved 31 July 2008. 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Silver, Dan (28 July 2008). "10 Things you need to know about Robbie Keane". The Daily Mirror. http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/2008/07/28/10-things-you-need-to-know-about-robbie-keane-115875-20675001/. Retrieved 31 July 2008. 
  3. ↑ Hassall, Paul (29 July 2008). "Ten things you did not know about Robbie Keane". Liverpool FC. http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N160683080728-1905.htm. Retrieved 30 July 2008. 
  4. ↑ White, Peter (17 January 1999). "Football: Lee draws small comforts". The Sunday Mirror. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4161/is_19990117/ai_n9704073. Retrieved 31 July 2008. 
  5. ↑ George, Conor (17 June 1999). "Rumours that Keane soon to join Premiership club". The Irish Examiner. http://archives.tcm.ie/irishexaminer/1999/06/17/phead.htm. Retrieved 31 July 2008. 
  6. ↑ "Republic of Ireland under Mick McCarthy". The Irish Times. http://www.irishtimes.com/sports/soccer/worldcup2002/ireland/mickmccarthy.htm. Retrieved 31 July 2008. 
  7. ↑ White, Peter (24 June 1999). "Football: Wolves will sell Jobbie". The Sunday Mirror. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4161/is_19990124/ai_n9703613. Retrieved 31 July 2008. 
  8. ↑ "Keane in £13m Inter Switch". London: BBC Sport. 30 July 2000. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/football/teams/c/coventry_city/856399.stm. Retrieved 30 July 2008. 
  9. ↑ Speck, Ivan (31 October 2008). "Liverpool striker Robbie Keane: What DO they all see in this £58m man?". Daily Mail (London). http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1082232/Robbie-Keane-What-DO-58m-man.html. 
  10. ↑ "Transfers – August 2002". London: BBC Sport. 2 September 2002. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/2239009.stm. Retrieved 30 July 2008. 
  11. ↑ "Arnesen issues warning to Keane". BBC News (London). 4 April 2005. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/t/tottenham_hotspur/4404793.stm. Retrieved 30 July 2008. 
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 "Robbie Keane factfile". London: The Independent. 29 July 2008. http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/robbie-keane-factfile-879727.html. Retrieved 30 July 2008. 
  13. ↑ "How Robbie came of age". The Irish Independent. 14 October 2006. http://www.independent.ie/unsorted/features/how-robbie-came-of-age-73463.html. Retrieved 30 July 2008. 
  14. ↑ "Spurs take no action in Keane and Davids row". Radio Telefís Éireann. 5 December 2005. http://www.rte.ie/sport/2005/1205/tottenham.html. Retrieved 30 July 2008. 
  15. ↑ Marshall, Adam. "Inter's Robbie regret". Sky Sports. http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11675_2366811,00.html. Retrieved 30 July 2008. 
  16. ↑ "Keane signs new contract at Spurs". London: BBC Sport. 3 March 2006. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/t/tottenham_hotspur/4771712.stm. Retrieved 30 July 2008. 
  17. ↑ "Doubt over Spurs 'food poisoning'". London: BBC Sport. 11 May 2006. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/4761715.stm. Retrieved 30 July 2008. 
  18. ↑ "Keane Commitment". Tottenham Hotspur FC. 28 May 2007. http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/keanecommitment.html. Retrieved 30 July 2008. 
  19. ↑ "Robbie joins 100 club". Tottenham Hotspur FC. 26 December 2007. http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/robbiejoins100club.html. Retrieved 30 July 2008. 
  20. ↑ "Robbie's No 1 in '07". Tottenham Hotspur FC. 30 December 2007. http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/robbiesno1in07.html. Retrieved 30 July 2008. 
  21. ↑ Stevenson, Jonathon (24 February 2008). "Tottenham 2–1 Chelsea". London: BBC Sport. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/7256729.stm. Retrieved 30 July 2008. 
  22. ↑ Kelly, David (24 May 2008). "Trapattoni-Keane marriage a match made in heaven". The Irish Independent. http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/trapattonikeane-marriage-a-match-made-in-heaven-1385791.html. Retrieved 30 July 2008. 
  23. ↑ Hunter, Andy (2 July 2008). "Liverpool's Keane bid encounters difficulties". London: The Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/jul/02/premierleague.liverpool. Retrieved 30 July 2008. 
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 "Tottenham submit Berbatov Dossier". London: BBC Sport. 21 July 2008. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/t/tottenham_hotspur/7514933.stm. Retrieved 30 July 2008. 
  25. ↑ McNulty, Phil (1 July 2008). "Liverpool face battle for Keane". BBC Sport. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/7483317.stm. Retrieved 30 July 2008. 
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 "Keane seals £12m Tottenham return". BBC Sport (2 February 2009) Retrieved on 3 February 2009
  27. ↑ "Keane to Liverpool". Tottenham Hotspur F.C.. 28 July 2008. http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/keanetoliverpool.html. Retrieved 30 July 2008. 
  28. ↑ Rice, Jimmy (29 July 2008). "Keane signs four-year Anfield deal". Liverpool FC. http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N160674080728-1837.htm. Retrieved 30 July 2008. 
  29. ↑ "Liverpool complete Keane transfer". BBC Sport. 28 July 2008. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/7528735.stm. Retrieved 30 July 2008. 
  30. ↑ Hunter, Andy (29 July 2008). "Keane fulfils his Liverpool dream". London: The Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/jul/29/liverpool.tottenhamhotspur. Retrieved 30 July 2008. 
  31. ↑ Bevan, Chris (1 October 2008). "Liverpool 3–1 PSV". BBC Sport. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/7639367.stm. Retrieved 3 November 2008. 
  32. ↑ "Simão the great leveller for Atlético". UEFA. 22 October 2008. http://www.uefa.com/competitions/ucl/history/season=2009/round=15276/match=302727/report=rp.html. Retrieved 10 December 2009. 
  33. ↑ Hughes, Ian (8 November 2008). "Liverpool 3–0 West Brom". BBC Sport. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7697418.stm. Retrieved 9 November 2008. 
  34. ↑ Bernstein, Joe (8 November 2008). "Liverpool 3 West Brom 0: Keane strikes at the double to return Benitez's men to top spot". London: Daily Mail. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1084167/Liverpool-3-West-Brom-0-Keane-strikes-double-return-Benitezs-men-spot.html. Retrieved 10 November 2008. 
  35. ↑ Liverpool pay for lack of killer instinct Times Online, 22 December 2008
  36. ↑ Liverpool 3–0 Bolton Paul Fletcher, BBC Online, Retrieved on 27 December 2008
  37. ↑ "Robbie returns". Tottenham Hotspur. 2 February 2009. http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/robbiereturns020209.html. Retrieved 2 February 2009. 
  38. ↑ Liverpool agree to sell Keane back to Spurs The Guardian (2 February 2009) Retrieved on 2 February 2009
  39. ↑ "Keane seals £12m Tottenham return". BBC Sport. 2 February 2009. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/t/tottenham_hotspur/7861523.stm. Retrieved 2 February 2009. 
  40. ↑ Fifield, Dominic (2 February 2009) Redknapp delight as £16m Keane makes Spurs return. The Guardian. Retrieved on 5 March 2009
  41. ↑ Ducker, James (2 February 2009) Robbie Keane eager to make up for lost time and win back the Tottenham Hotspur fans The Times Retrieved on 3 February 2009
  42. ↑ Live – Transfer deadline day. BBC Sport (2 February 2009) Retrieved on 2 February 2009
  43. ↑ Keane given Tottenham vice-captaincy BBC Sport (3 February 2009) Retrieved on 3 February 2009
  44. ↑ Carrick leaps to Jol's defence and slams 'unbelievable' Spurs board
  45. ↑ Fulham 3, Tottenham Hotspur 3: Keane's departure hastens blustering Jol towards the exit
  46. ↑ Spurs 2 Torino 0: Spurs bask in seventh heaven
  47. ↑ Jol damns Defoe with faint praise after Tottenham's flood of goals
  48. ↑ West Ham United 1 Tottenham Hotspur 1: Green shows England credentials with penalty save
  49. ↑ Keane on target as Spurs beat Boro 4–0
  50. ↑ Tottenham 4–0 Middlesbrough: Robbie Keane back on Spurs' scoresheet
  51. ↑ Tottenham 4–0 Middlesbrough
  52. ↑ Sunderland 1–1 Tottenham: Robbie Keane stuns Black Cats
  53. ↑ Sunderland 1–1 Tottenham BBC Sport
  54. ↑ Train advert rubs it in for Liverpool flop Keane
  55. ↑ Liverpool 3–1 Tottenham BBC Sport (24 May 2009) Retrieved on 25 May 2009
  56. ↑ Tottenham 5–0 Burnley
  57. ↑ Tottenham 2–0 Everton
  58. ↑ Tottenham Hotspur 2 – 0 Everton – Toffees trounced by Spurs
  59. ↑ 59.0 59.1 "Tottenham striker Robbie Keane joins Celtic". BBC Sport. 1 February 2010. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/8492185.stm. Retrieved 1 February 2010. 
  60. ↑ "Transfer sensation: Robbie Keane signs for Celtic". Celtic FC. 1 February 2010. http://www.celticfc.net/news/stories/news_010210201341.aspx. Retrieved 3 February 2010. 
  61. ↑ "Keane: My dream come true". Celtic FC. 2 February 2010. http://www.celticfc.net/news/stories/news_020210004827.aspx. Retrieved 3 February 2010. 
  62. ↑ "Kilmarnock 1 – 0 Celtic". BBC Sport. 2 February 2010. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/scot_prem/8493164.stm. Retrieved 2 February 2010. 
  63. ↑ Spiers, Graham (8 February 2010). "Robbie Keane turns tide in Celtic’s favour". The Times (London). http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/scotland/article7018447.ece. Retrieved 8 February 2010. 
  64. ↑ "Aberdeen 4–4 Celtic". BBC Sport. 13 February 2010. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/8510568.stm. Retrieved 20 February 2010. 
  65. ↑ "Celtic 1–0 Dundee Utd". The Times. 20 February 2010. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/8523293.stm. Retrieved 20 February 2010. 
  66. ↑ "Kilmarnock 0–3 Celtic". BBC Sport. 13 March 2010. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_cups/8563557.stm. Retrieved 13 March 2010. 
  67. ↑ "Celtic 3–1 Kilmarnock". BBC Sport. 27 March 2010. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/8588252.stm. Retrieved 27 March 2010. 
  68. ↑ "Anthony Robbie Keane named SPL player of month for March". BBC Sport. 12 April 2010. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/8615887.stm. Retrieved 12 April 2010. 
  69. ↑ "Irish eyes are smiling at celtic awards night". Celtic. 19 April 2010. http://www.celticfc.net/news/stories/news_190410151631.aspx. Retrieved 19 April 2010. 
  70. ↑ "The Irish U-18 European Champions of 1998". That's Ireland. 28 February 2008. http://thatsireland.com/2008/02/28/the-irish-u-18-european-champions-of-1998/. Retrieved 30 July 2008. 
  71. ↑ 71.0 71.1 Jackson, Lyle (15 November 2006). "Rep of Ireland 5–0 San Marino". BBC Sport. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/6147468.stm. Retrieved 30 July 2008. 
  72. ↑ "Ireland Seniors – UEFA Qualifying 2006/2008". Football Association of Ireland. 2 January 2008. http://www.fai.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2749&Itemid=9. Retrieved 30 July 2008. 
  73. ↑ "Rep of Ireland 1–1 Serbia". BBC Sport. 24 May 2008. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7418887.stm. Retrieved 30 July 2008. 
  74. ↑ Rowan, Paul (5 September 2009). "Robbie Keane steps from shadows to earn priceless win". The Times (London). http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/international/article6823518.ece. Retrieved 9 September 2009. 
  75. ↑ "France 1–1 Rep of Ire (agg 2–1)". BBC Sport. 18 November 2009. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/8367418.stm. Retrieved 21 November 2009. 
  76. ↑ "Rep of Ireland 0-1 Argentina". BBC Sport. 2010-08-11. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/irish/8905915.stm. Retrieved 2010-08-11. 
  77. ↑ Smith, David (8 June 2008). "All-star wedding for captain Keane". London: The Observer. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/jun/08/ireland.footballinireland?gusrc=rss&feed=football. Retrieved 30 July 2008. 
  78. ↑ Baby joy for Robbie & Claudine Keane RTÉ
  79. ↑ Just 13 days after giving birth Robbie Keane's WAG Claudine slips into a skin-tight dress Mail Online
  80. ↑ http://www.national-football-teams.com/v2/player.php?id=3346
  81. ↑ http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/robkeane-intlg.html
  82. ↑ "Rep of Ireland 2-2 Israel". BBC Sport. 4 June 2005. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/4606891.stm. Retrieved 7 August 2010. 
  83. ↑ "Rep of Ireland 3-0 Sweden". BBC Sport. 1 March 2006. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/4764816.stm. Retrieved 30 May 2010. 
  84. ↑ "Rep of Ireland 5-0 San Marino". BBC Sport. 15 November 2006. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/6147468.stm. Retrieved 30 May 2010. 
  85. ↑ "Denmark 0-4 Republic of Ireland". BBC Sport. 22 August 2007. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/6959328.stm. Retrieved 30 May 2010. 
  86. ↑ "Wales 2-2 Republic of Ireland". BBC Sport. 17 November 2007. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/league_of_wales/7099901.stm. Retrieved 30 May 2010. 
  87. ↑ Nakrani, Sachin (30 May 2008). "Keane's lucky strike keeps Trapattoni bandwagon rolling". London: www.guardian.co.uk. http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/may/30/republicofirelandfootballteam.colombia. Retrieved 30 May 2010. 
  88. ↑ Nisbet, Jon (21 August 2008). "Norway 1 Republic of Ireland 1: Keane strikes to extend Trapattoni's unbeaten start". London: www.independent.co.uk. http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/norway-1-republic-of-ireland-1-keane-strikes-to-extend-trapattonis-unbeaten-start-904213.html. Retrieved 30 May 2010. 
  89. ↑ Young, Colin (16 October 2008). "Robbie Keane gets the job done - but it was tough, says Ireland boss Trapattoni". London: www.dailymail.co.uk. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1078012/Robbie-Keane-gets-job-Trapattonis-Ireland.html. Retrieved 30 May 2010. 
  90. ↑ Kempson, Russell (February 12, 2009). "Rejuvenated Robbie Keane stages late Ireland rescue act". London: www.timesonline.co.uk. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/international/article5713023.ece. Retrieved 29 May 2010. 
  91. ↑ "Italy 1-1 Republic of Ireland". BBC Sport. 1 April 2009. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/7975559.stm. Retrieved 29 May 2010. 
  92. ↑ "Keane on target as Ireland draw with Nigeria". www.irishtimes.com. May 29, 2009. http://www.irishtimes.com/sports/soccer/2009/0529/1224247743204.html. Retrieved 29 May 2010. 
  93. ↑ "Keane comes to Ireland's rescue". www.uefa.com. 5 September 2009. http://www.uefa.com/worldcup/matches/season=2010/round=15218/match=302481/report/index.html#keane+comes+irelands+rescue. Retrieved 29 May 2010. 
  94. ↑ "France pushed all the way by Ireland". www.uefa.com. 18 November 2009. http://www.uefa.com/worldcup/matches/season=2010/round=15219/match=2001478/report/index.html#france+pushed+ireland. Retrieved 29 May 2010. 
  95. ↑ "Rep of Ireland 3-0 Algeria". BBC Sport. 28 May 2010. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/irish/8712258.stm. Retrieved 29 May 2010. 

Accolades

Sporting positions
Preceded by
Ledley King		 Tottenham Hotspur Captain
2009		 Succeeded by
Michael Dawson
Preceded by
Kenny Cunningham		 Republic of Ireland Captain
2006–present		 Succeeded by
Incumbent

External links

Republic of Ireland squad – 2002 FIFA World Cup
1 Given • 2 Finnan • 3 Harte • 4 Cunningham • 5 Staunton (c) • 6 Roy Keane • 7 McAteer • 8 Holland • 9 Duff • 10 Robbie Keane • 11 Kilbane • 12 Kinsella • 13 Connolly • 14 Breen • 15 Dunne • 16 Kiely • 17 Quinn • 18 G. Kelly • 19 Morrison • 20 O'Brien • 21 Reid • 22 Carsley • 23 A. Kelly • Coach: McCarthy
 Republic of Ireland
Tottenham Hotspur F.C. – current squad

1 Gomes · 2 Hutton · 3 Bale · 4 Kaboul · 5 Bentley · 6 Huddlestone · 7 Lennon · 8 Jenas · 9 Pavlyuchenko · 10 Keane · 11 van der Vaart · 12 Palacios · 13 Gallas · 14 Modrić · 15 Crouch · 17 Giovani · 18 Defoe · 19 Bassong · 20 Dawson · 21 Kranjčar · 22 Ćorluka · 23 Cudicini · 24 O'Hara · 26 King (c) · 30 Sandro · 32 Assou-Ekotto · 37 Pletikosa · 39 Woodgate · Manager: Redknapp