Soccer:Robbie Keane will fly into Dublin tomorrow after helping the LA Galaxy advance to the MLS final last night, his 68th minute strike sealing a 3-1 over Real Salt Lake to set up a meeting with Houston Dynamo in the decider.
The striker’s form since returning from strained adductor muscle is a welcome boost for Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni as he prepares for Friday’s Euro 2012 play-off first leg against Estonia.
Ireland will be without Shane Long for the trip to Tallinn while Leon Best, drafted into the squad as cover for the Tipperary man, is also struggling with a groin injury.
But with Keane now back firing on all cylinders after a month on the sidelines, Trapattoni will be able to call on his first choice striker against the Estonians with Simon Cox or Jonathan Walters likely to partner him up front.
“We haven’t qualified for the European Championships for the last 20 years or so. It’s going to be a big occasion,” Keane said after last night’s win. “Seeing everyone back home, I know everyone’s looking forward to it.
“Of course I’m just happy to be back fit and I look forward to the games.”
The Dubliner also paid tribute to the LA Galaxy medical team after he made his comeback last week well ahead of schedule.
“When the injury first happened they said four to six weeks and that really would have put me out,” Keane said “I’m very happy. Full credit to (head athletic trainer) Armando (Rivas) and all the physios who worked really hard to get me fit. It’s always nice to get back early, and I managed to do that.”
Landon Donovan gave Galaxy the lead with a 23rd minute penalty and after Alvaro Saborio equalized two minutes later, David Beckham's curling cross found the head of Mike Magee to put them 2-1 ahead in the 58th minute.
With Real pushing for the equalizer, Keane took advantage of the gaps at the back and sealed the win in the 68th minute.
Trapattoni was today waiting to discover the full extent of any injury problems his squad suffered over the weekend. Newcastle striker Leon Best was due to meet up with the squad in Malahide for assessment after limping out of his club’s 2-1 victory over Everton with groin and toe problems.
Best will report to be examined by Trapattoni’s medical staff, but the early indications are that he will not make the two-legged tie in Tallinn on Friday evening and at the Aviva Stadium four days later.
Trapattoni has already lost one player, with Portsmouth midfielder Liam Lawrence having withdrawn from the squad. The 29-year-old reported yesterday to have his ankle ligament injury assessed, but was swiftly sent back to his club.
