GIOVANNI TRAPATTONI HAS welcomed Robbie Keane’s move to Aston Villa but warned him to steer clear of injury.
The Ireland captain made the switch to the midlands club on a two-month loan from LA Galaxy and could potentially play tomorrow in their Premier League meeting with Everton at Villa Park.
It could prove beneficial for Trapattoni and Ireland if the country’s record goalscorer gets a decent run of games to keep him fresh before returning to the MLS.
And the Italian said today he is glad to have the 31-year-old back in Europe, even if it’s only for a short period.
“I think it will be happy (for Keane) and I am also happy,” Trap said at a press conference at Dublin airport today. “He is returning to England so it is near to us.”
While adding that a stint with Alex McLeish’s team could revitalise the player, the Ireland boss was wary of the physical demands the Premier League brings.
“He can have a new enthusiasm, but it is important that he has no injury because England is a dangerous place,” he said.
Darron Gibson also started life at a new club today when he signed for the Toffees and after publicly stressing the importance of a move for the midfielder in the past, Trap was delighted that he has finally come around to the idea.
“At last,” he grinned. “I said to him many times. Always on the bench, on the bench. It’s important he plays now.”
