Robbie Keane faking injury?

[EalingGreen]

I think it was a reasonable post by Ciaran to be honest. He only said he was a bit sceptical when it came to Pool players and injuries, not sure why so many got touchy about it. Fair enough I personally don't think Robbie Keane is the type that would go along with it especially when I would think he would want to score as many goals for Ireland as possible before he finishes up, twould be nice if he beat the English record of 49!!!Having said that he's only barely getting his game at L'Pool these days so probably wouldn't want to p!ss Rafa off by playing. On the other hand if he was carrying a knock, minor or otherwise it was better for everybody, Ireland included that he gave this one a miss, bigger fish to fry down the road.

Rafael Benitez doesn't ever want any of his players to play international football, just like every other club manager who fears for his job (i.e. all of them!).
But that is not the point, since FIFA Rules clearly protect the International Associations in the event of conflict.
In which case, the two key factors are the determination of the international manager to enforce the rules, and the desire of the player to represent his country.
Re. the former, whilst there may be occasions when Trapattoni may not want to p1ss a club manager off unnecessarily e.g. over an unimportant friendly etc, nonetheless I cannot imagine his ever being intimidated from doing so, either, in games which are important to him.
And as for the player, is there any evidence that Keane is less than 100% committed to representing his country? I certainly haven't seen it, including the years when he was with my team (Spurs).

P.S. With a strike rate of 35 goals in 85 matches, statistically Keane would need to gain 121 caps to notch up 50 goals and overtake Sir Bobby Charlton's 49 goals (in 106). At 28 years old, he's certainly capable of playing for the 5(?) seasons it should take to gain another 36 caps.
Mind you, even if he does, he might still be "playing catch-up" on David Healy, seeing as "Sir David" has scored 35 goals in 70 games. At this rate, the 29 year old Healy theoretically only needs another 30 caps to hit his half century of goals...

[NeilMcD]

Fair enough that comment was more tounge n cheek to be honest but the overall point stays the same. If Robbie Keane tells the doctors (FAI or otherwise) that he's got a slight niggle I don't think they're gonna push the issue too much.

Refer to comment above about him playing against Albania just after his Dad died. Its a stupid thread and scandalous to call into question Robbie Keanes commitment to play for Ireland. There are many other reasons to may have a go at him but not this one.

[Stuttgart88]

The only thing Robbie is faking at the moment is being a goalscorer.

I thought Schwarzer blocked the shot well though. After last week I think Keane thought it better to whack it rather than be cunning. If he'd scored last week I think he'd have taken that chance on Saturday. I think this was a case of credit to the keeper though - he was out really quick.

[paul_oshea]

keane just needs to look at robhino and ireland for city. All he had to do is chip it over the keeper, its like he is thinking its going to be easy i dont have to worry and he just taps hits it without thinking about placement or anything and then misses. The liverpool fans are only going ot wait so long....

[DeLorean]

P.S. With a strike rate of 35 goals in 85 matches, statistically Keane would need to gain 121 caps to notch up 50 goals and overtake Sir Bobby Charlton's 49 goals (in 106). At 28 years old, he's certainly capable of playing for the 5(?) seasons it should take to gain another 36 caps.
Mind you, even if he does, he might still be "playing catch-up" on David Healy, seeing as "Sir David" has scored 35 goals in 70 games. At this rate, the 29 year old Healy theoretically only needs another 30 caps to hit his half century of goals...

Ya it might be a bit beyond him alright but who knows, we might draw San Marino again at some stage and he might hit another hat-trick or two!!! that is of course assuming San Marino don't develop into that force that aul Stan was predicting!!

[DeLorean]

Refer to comment above about him playing against Albania just after his Dad died. Its a stupid thread and scandalous to call into question Robbie Keanes commitment to play for Ireland. There are many other reasons to may have a go at him but not this one.

I couldn't agree more. I'd never question his loyalty to Ireland, especially in the modern era of overpaid assh0les seemingly not giving a sh!t anymore.