ROBBIE KEANE SAYS he will have no issue if he is omitted from the starting XI against Georgia for Ireland’s must-win Euro 2016 qualifier tomorrow evening.
The striker, who claimed a brace against Gibraltar on Friday evening, stresses that it is the “manager’s decision” whether he plays or not.
“I’m here to help the team, whether I play or come off the bench,” he said.
“I’m not naive. I’m at a certain age where there are going to be certain games I’m not going to play, certain games I will play.
“The most important thing is the team — it’s not Robbie Keane. It’s not about individual awards or scoring goals, it’s about the team qualifying for the Euros.
“If I can help this team in anyway, whether it’s starting or from the bench, I’m fairly happy with that.”
Keane also echoed his manager’s view that tomorrow’s game was likely to prove difficult to win.
“It’s up to us tomorrow to get a big result,” he said. “All the players are looking forward to a massive game.
“[Georgia] are a difficult team to break down, as we saw against Scotland. But we’re ready and the confidence is high.”
Keane’s two goals against Gibraltar on Friday took his overall international goal tally to 67, which leaves him one goal behind Germany legend Gerd Müller, while only three other European players have scored more goals than the LA Galaxy striker.
“One of the lads mentioned it after the game,” he said. “To be up there with those names is incredible. I still don’t think about it too much. When I hang up the boots and look back, I can give myself a pat on the back.
Martin O’Neill, meanwhile, paid tribute to the Dublin-born 35-year-old striker.
“One behind Gerd Muller says it all — he’ll be missed when he leaves us.” the Ireland boss added.
