Robbie Keane

[PatJR]

It's also worth suggesting that when you have a squad full of "untouchables" - ie, players who get picked no matter how poor their club form is (assuming they're even playing) - I can't see how that would improve morale. I'm sure they all get on as a squad, but I'd be surprised if the likes of Stokes, Long etc. don't feel a little frustrated that Keane gets the automatic nod, despite having an absolute torrid time at club level. .

Should Stokes & Long feel so hard done by? They have not proved themselves in the top tier in England, Robbie has, for years, and continues to. You don't toss aside a talent like Robbie Keane just because he's had a difficult time recently. The guy scored six goals in our last campaign and two already in the current one. I remember back around 2005 the popular consensus was that Stephen Elliot was the man and we didn't need Robbie anymore. The rush to administer the last rights on Keane's career is perplexing. Is he a world class, top tier striker....probably not, but he's still the best goal scorer we've got.

[OwlsFan]

Yes, he's a loyal servant to Ireland (who isn't though in fairness?), he's our top scorer blah blah blah, but even Keane hasn't been quite able to rise above his club form while playing for Ireland. His rustiness has showed, and we shouldn't glorify some players above others.

Who isn't a loyal servant? You are joking.

Keane is still the leading scorer with 2! When Robbie stops getting in to goal scoring positions, then it's time to drop him. He still has that unique talent of getting in to the right place at the right time. He hasn't been putting them away as much as before but hopefully with match practice that will come back.

As for those who say Doyle's position may be under threat, I doubt it as he wins so much in the air, he is made for Trap's tactics. The fight is between Long and Keane. I expect a lot of substituting to go on between these two unless we need a goal in which case Doyle will be called ashore.

[Duggie]

The fight is between Long and Keane.

there is no fight right now, keane is undroppable IMO. hes still our best player, hes still a brilliant player. FFS hes got 45 int goals, where would we have been all these years without him. Long is also good in the air and will score more. i think we should drop doyle for long right now.

[Kingdom]

Kingdom, whatever about the other pages being drivel, you have just expanded on it. I think that was the jist of what most were saying...

Sorry Pos, I'll try not to make that mistake again. I'll try but can't promise anything.

[Wolfie]

So Wolfie, in your opinion, Robbie thinks he is bigger than the team?

Jesus is beyond weeping at this stage with the amount of utter drivel being uttered.

That suggests to me that Wolfie thinks Robbie thinks he's bigger than the team.

I've a lot of respect for Geysir's achievements in Iceland but I hate perverts.

Not what I meant at all - now I know how Robbie feels!!

My point was that anyone who is not playing first team football on a continuous basis does not have a divine right to a starting place - therefore, noone is bigger than the team.

I wasn't personalising it to just Keane in that instance.

Feel free to apologise immediately.

Anyway, whatever perving Geysir has been upto in a Supermarket chain is a bit off topic, to be honest.

[amaccann]

[...]The rush to administer the last rights on Keane's career is perplexing. Is he a world class, top tier striker....probably not, but he's still the best goal scorer we've got.

I'm not in a rush to drop anyone, I'm just wondering aloud if some players might feel frustrated that they don't get their chance & that there's a clique of untouchables in the squad.
And as for proving yourself in the top tier - where does the likes of Paul Green or Paul McShane fit in?

Who isn't a loyal servant? You are joking.

No, I'm not. Yes there have been plenty of rent-a-paddies in the squad, but by and large "a loyal servant of Ireland" covers pretty much most of the squad down through the years & shouldn't be considered a unique quality.

[paul_oshea]

Not what I meant at all - now I know how Robbie feels!!

My point was that anyone who is not playing first team football on a continuous basis does not have a divine right to a starting place - therefore, noone is bigger than the team.

I wasn't personalising it to just Keane in that instance.

Feel free to apologise immediately.

Anyway, whatever perving Geysir has been upto in a Supermarket chain is a bit off topic, to be honest.

a vodoo doctor in a warm hot bath in a supermarket perving on women.

[PatJR]

And as for proving yourself in the top tier - ] where does the likes of Paul Green or Paul McShane fit in?

Right, I wouldn't have them in the starting lineup (or squad) either. At the same time they are not being included at the expense of a genuine top EPL player so it's not really a valid comparison.

[gastric]

A good article in the Indo today about Robbie. It 's reasonably well -written and not too sensational in what it says.

http://www.independent.ie/sport/socc...f-2527342.html

[paul_oshea]

I've always liked sweeneys articles.simple grounded west of Ireland man from gurteen.very fair article.I've said the Dublin thing tongue in cheek before but i think he has hit the nail on the head here.Irish people seem to empathise maybe a bit strong btw relate more to gaa country lads,throw in that they stayed at home and played at home there is more of relationship between player and ppl.a bit like the rugby.

[geysir]

Paul, you first take the cynical position on Robbie, then you jump on the fence, trying to appear all liberal and fair minded.

Feel free to apologise immediately.
Anyway, whatever perving Geysir has been upto in a Supermarket chain is a bit off topic, to be honest.

Nevertheless, I will unreservedly apologise for any of my perverse actions, regardless of their location.

[paul_oshea]

no i always play devils advocate on both sides. Am i not alllowed to change my mind?

Btw where did i differ on what i initially said about robbies comments? I said I agreed with the article and referenced the point about the irish public leaning more to doyle than keane?

[geysir]

no i always play devils advocate on both sides. Am i not alllowed to change my mind?

Btw where did i differ on what i initially said about robbies comments? I said I agreed with the article and referenced the point about the irish public leaning more to doyle than keane?

The devil's advocate is a cop out.
If you agree with the article as you say, then the tone of the article re Keane's comments is defined by
'Ireland's record goalscorer surely deserves the benefit of the doubt'

You had previously chosen the opinion
"To me it sounds like if keane doesn't get picked he will retire. Thats the not the petulant attitude to have serving your country."

[rebelmusic]

I don't get Robbie Keane hate to be honest. I've always tried to watch matches he plays because he's lovely to watch when he's playing well. Started today and some of his footwork has been sublime. Almost would have had goal of the season after he set him self up in the last minute but the shot was miles off.

Why give out about a top striker? Compare him to Michael Owen who was lauded as the greatest thing since the 60's and now where is he?

[Noelys Guitar]

Birmingham leading 1-0 in a poor game. Robbie couple of nice flicks but no service. West Ham will be in real trouble if they don't get something from this game. Keane subbed 75.

[rebelmusic]

He did very little in the second half. Didn't agree with the substitution though. 3 identical strikers on, Keane's the only alternative to them.

[Lionel Ritchie]

He's out now. Probably not an entirely bad thing. I'd love to see someone else give Trap something to think about.

[paul_oshea]

What's the reason for robbies pulling out?v interested to know looked fine going off.could do with the game time.

[tetsujin1979]

calf injury according to football365: http://football365.com/story/0,17033...733797,00.html

[Duggie]

dont mind him missing tue game but hope hes fit for west brom next sat. dont want him on the sidelines again, want him keeping his west ham spot. they have a good few striking options now.