Andy Reid has launched a vigorous defence of Republic of Ireland and Tottenham team-mate Robbie Keane. Reid feels critics have a misinformed idea of Keane, believing the Spurs striker to be a moody player who only turns on the style when it suits.

However, since being handed the captain's armband for both club, and in particular country following the appointment of Steve Staunton as manager earlier this year, Keane appears a changed character.

At face value, the 24-year-old has seemingly grown in stature and maturity, while his game has improved notably.

After captaining Ireland for the first time in a 3-0 win over Sweden on March 1st, Keane went on to score half of his 16 goals for Spurs in the closing 11 matches of the season.

It would appear the captaincy has had an effect but winger Reid feels Keane has always set an example to others, both on and off the pitch.

"I have always seen Robbie as a leader, not like Roy Keane, but he still leads by example," insisted Reid. "He is last off the training pitch. He is always practising, always doing finishing, always doing extra work.

"When he wasn't in the team at Tottenham I never heard him moan, yet these are the kind of things that don't get out there and what people don't understand. I remember last season when people were getting on his back, I was disappointed with that.

"I don't understand how people can ever have a go at Robbie because you won't see a more proud Irishman, and a more committed man to the Irish cause. Then when you see him playing for Tottenham, the performances he put in last season when he did get his chance and a run of games, he was our best player by a long way."

Reid is also adamant his own commitment to the Tottenham cause cannot be questioned either, even if last season was a major disappointment on a personal level.

Reid managed 14 appearances, with his season ruined by two separate knee injuries, and when he eventually returned fit he was unable to force his way into the team.

That has resulted in inevitable speculation regarding his future at White Hart Lane, but the 23-year-old has no intention of quitting.

"Of course I'm committed," confirmed Reid, part of a squad who return to Dublin tomorrow ahead of Wednesday's friendly with Chile following a four-day training camp in the Algarve. "I've had so many people ask me if I'm going to be there next season, even people who pass me on the street.

"My response has always been, 'Well, why I wouldn't be there next season?' We've a tremendous squad of players, it's a fantastic club that is heading in the right direction, so I don't see any reason why I would want to leave.

"With the way things went for me at Nottingham Forest, it took me a long time to get the move I wanted. I like to fight and I'm prepared to fight for my place. Although we have good players, I know I'm a good player and good enough to play in that team.

"That side of it isn't going to put me off, so I'm going to go back in pre-season, work hard and get myself in the best shape I can be ready for the start of next season. Hopefully it will be more productive than the one just gone."

After missing out on the win over Sweden through injury, Reid will be hoping to at least end the season on a high note with a run-out at Lansdowne Road against the South Americans.

At least Reid can claim to be happy under Staunton's tutelage, and that is crucial for his own well-being.

"Happiness is such an important thing. I think it is under-estimated," claimed Reid. "When you go on the pitch and you are feeling good about yourself and comfortable with who you are and who you are playing with, everybody performs so
much better.

"It's not all about money as some people might think. It doesn't work that way. You need to be happy, and I'm glad to say the manager has brought that to the squad."