Soccer:Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane is "raring to go" ahead of the third Euro 2012 qualifier against Russia at the Aviva Stadium. The Spurs striker has no worries about a lack of match fitness and feels the side is experienced enough to finally take full advantage against a European heavyweight.
“I feel fine, I’m fresh and I’m raring to go,” the Dubliner said at the team announcement this afternoon.
After being held at home in the last campaign by Italy, France and Bulgaria, the skipper was asked what Ireland needed to do to win tomorrow.
“Score more goals than them,” was the prompt and witty response, but the captain appears to sincerely believe the team is better prepared now. With a new stadium and more experience, the time is right to claim a major scalp.
“There is always pressure to win at home but this has come at the right time. The team is very confident,” he said, before reminding his interrogator: “We didn’t lose any games (in the last campaign).”
Fellow Tallaght native Richard Dunne has also been passed fit and Keane says his inclusion in the side is “vitally important”, while, like many others, he has been encouraged by the form of Aiden McGeady, who starts on the left flank tomorrow.
“You can see a change in Aiden in the last year,” said Keane. “He has become an even better player. With his new team, he is doing really well.”
The criticism remains with McGeady, however, that he hasn’t yet scored an international goal.
Keane, though, repeated his manager’s assurances that it will come. “He has the ability to score goals because he can beat a player and he has pace to burn.”