Advertisement
Peter Byrne/PA Wire/Press Association Images
Hammered

Robbie keen on life as a Hammer

Robbie Keane braces himself for a relegation dogfight as he secures a six-month loan deal with West Ham United.

ROBBIE KEANE’S “MR. 10%” probably woke up this morning feeling slightly underwhelmed.

This time around there was no big money move for the Irish striker who appears to have made a career out of last-minute deadline day swops, with Keane sealing a six-month loan deal with relegation-threatened West Ham United.

The 30-year-old’s temporary tenure at Upton Park will be upgraded to a two-year deal should West Ham ensure their Premiership survival, with the Hammers handing over £6m to Tottenham for Keane’s services.

Keane was present at Upton Park yesterday to watch his new team-mates see off Nottingham Forest in the fourth round of the FA Cup, Victor Obinna’s hattrick sealing a 3-2 victory over the Championship side.

Speaking after the win, Keane commented on his aspirations as he joins a “fantastic club with a great tradition”.

I am really pleased to have signed and now I just can’t wait to start training and playing football. I am ready to help West Ham United to stay in the Premier League, which is the most important thing for this club.

I feel as fit as I ever have done in my life and I feel I have plenty left to offer at the highest level for at least the next four or five years.

Though he has only had two Premier League starts for Spurs this season, Keane is hopeful that he can recapture some of the form which he showed while on loan with Celtic last season.

When I went on loan to Celtic I scored 17 goals in 19 games and if I can do even half as well as I did there, then I’ll be happy.

One person who will certainly be delighted at news of Keane’s loan move is Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni.

Speaking last week at the unveiling of his provisional squad for next week’s Carling Nations Cup clash against Wales, the Italian voiced his concern about the lack of first-team football which his captain was playing, stating that no player on his team can be considered undroppable.

With March’s important Euro 2012 qualifier against Macedonia looming on the horizon, Keane will be hopeful that he can cement his place in the Italian’s plans over the next few weeks, starting with West Ham’s tough league trip to Blackpool on Wednesday night.

Follow our Transfer Deadline Day Liveblog Here >