Robbie Keane

**sligoman** · 03/10/2005, 4:38 PM

Spurs boss underlines Keane importance

Spurs manager Martin Jol insists he has no plans to sell Robbie Keane when the transfer window re-opens in the New Year.

The Irish international striker has struggled to hold down a starting role this season, but has made an impression with crucial goals from the bench against Aston Villa a fortnight ago and Charlton Athletic on Saturday.

Reputed to be a target for Everton and Manchester City, Keane is unhappy to be restricted to a substitute�s role, but Jol stresses that he remains a massive part of his plans at White Hart Lane.

�Robbie is a big part of our set-up,� said the Dutchman. �I�ve told him that we have to fight his situation together. It�s our problem. If Robbie wants to play for us, he will.

�He can only get his best form by playing and that�s why I am happy he is playing for Ireland. If you don�t play 90 minutes you tend to lose your fitness a bit.

"He�s not like the old Liverpool �super-sub� David Fairclough � he should be playing. Robbie came on against Aston Villa and scored for us earlier in the season but it is always very difficult and I have to make a decision.

"Jermain scored a very important goal for us against Fulham on Monday. With players like Robbie on the bench you always have a chance. Nine out of 10 times he will score."

**The Stars** · 03/10/2005, 4:40 PM

So.....

**BobbySands** · 04/10/2005, 8:42 AM

Jol is a bull****ter but thats hardly unusual in the game. Basically he's happy to see Robbie K get a 90 minute training role in international matches so he'll be fit for his super sub cameos.

**thejollyrodger** · 04/10/2005, 8:46 AM

maybe Robbie has found his natural level at spurs , a bit part player ?

I think he should score against the Cyprus but will struggle against the choclate makers. I'm glad other players are being called up. If they scored a few it might put some pressure on him.

**roboyle** · 04/10/2005, 10:14 AM

Originally Posted by sligoman

Spurs boss underlines Keane importance

Spurs manager Martin Jol:"With players like Robbie on the bench you always have a chance. Nine out of 10 times he will score."

I wish!

**CollegeTillIDie** · 04/10/2005, 5:20 PM

Does this mean he is DEFINITELY going to REAL MALLORCA ?

**youngirish** · 04/10/2005, 5:49 PM

Keane has been given more than enough chances by Jol at Spurs but has never looked to be a better option than Defoe. I wouldn't play him if I was the manager. Same applies to fat Andy Reid he needs to improve quickly or be consigned to the reserves. He's had more than enough chances and hasn't been good enough.

What I really don't understand is why he plays Staltieri instead of Kelly. He is s**te.

**zinedineontour** · 10/10/2005, 10:48 AM

The time has finally come when mr cartwheel needs to be dropped. .. Not doubting the quality of the lad but he needs a right good kick up the hole and not think he is guaranteed a starting place with us .. Clinton gives us a bit of strength up front and can hold the ball up well .. Think it wouldnt do elliotts confidence any good after scoring and been our best outfield player on sat and would show robbie he is not irraplaceable

**Condex** · 10/10/2005, 10:54 AM

I've been saying that for ages, way over rated, but a lot of people where saying what a great player he is... Watching him moan,act and getting caught off side really annoys me...

**Peadar** · 10/10/2005, 10:57 AM

If someone is to be dropped on Wednesday to make way for Clint then it should be Robbie.

It is also my opinion that Kevin Doyle is the only striker in the squad, physical enough to deal with the Swiss. I'll wager that Doc gets thrown on.

**tetsujin1979** · 10/10/2005, 11:09 AM

Originally Posted by Peadar

If someone is to be dropped on Wednesday to make way for Clint then it should be Robbie.

It is also my opinion that Kevin Doyle is the only striker in the squad, physical enough to deal with the Swiss. I'll wager that Doc gets thrown on.

Doc didn't make the bench at the weekend, Doyle did. With Clinton back, one of Robbie and Elliott are going to be starting on the bench, with Doyle missing out.

**Rory H** · 10/10/2005, 11:13 AM

he is the best striker the country has ever had you mentalists

**keenanboy** · 10/10/2005, 11:16 AM

Agreed, not the situation to drop him. Perhaps earlier in the campaign but for the last crunch game? Leaving your top scorer on the line? The swiss would be choking on their toblerones. Elliott not to start, but to feature with 30 (not 10 Brian!) mins to go if needed.

**as_i_say** · 10/10/2005, 11:21 AM

he is a top player but has not been doing the business for us and as such should be dropped. in fairness to kerr, its not like hes had much of a choice up til now but with elliott doing well its gotta be an option to drop him

**Cosmo** · 10/10/2005, 11:27 AM

Its madness to suggest robbie gets dropped for wednesdays match - hes the best forward we have

**PaulB** · 10/10/2005, 11:27 AM

Originally Posted by wild rover

he is the best striker the country has ever had you mentalists

Stapleton, aldo..., just to name 2 are better..

**Kingdom** · 10/10/2005, 11:28 AM

This is the type of ********ollogy that gets spouted if we dare to criticise one of our star players. So fcuking what if he's the best striker the country has ever had. I don't believe that he is.

The point is that if he is off-form ( which he is ) and contribiutes nothing when he is off-form apart from moaning and flapping his arms like a bird then he should be dropped. Has Elliot looked over-awed in any game he's featured for us? No. We were toothless against the Faroes bar Elliot. When he came on against Italy he was all excira and delira and got about the Italians and showed impressively. And then the match at the weekend did all that was asked from him.

Stephen Elliot should not be dropped so it is up to BK to choose between Clint and Keane.

**exile** · 10/10/2005, 11:33 AM

Originally Posted by wild rover

he is the best striker the country has ever had you mentalists

whens the las time he scored against a team in the top 50 ..................

germany 3 years ago

he can barley get his game with spurs , he should be dropped alright preferbly from an aeroplane at 20,000 ft

**Dotsy** · 10/10/2005, 11:45 AM

He may be our best striker over the last 5 or 6 years but he has not been the best over the last 12 months. Morrison has been more consistent over that period. Elliot deserves to be playing because of his perforamnce on Saturday. It's no use saying Robbie is due a great game when he is plainly not in form and hasn't been getting his game regulary for Spurs. Elliot and Morrison should start based on current form.

**wws** · 10/10/2005, 11:50 AM

id drop him like a hot snot - he's starting to epitomise everything that is rotten with the current ireland wasters - morrison is the only proven goalscorer in this campaign like it or not - most people dnt like it but its fact - robbie hasnt done it - he's petulant beyond belief - and is using international football to get first team action ffs! Drop him and play the in formn players - elliot earned is place as the only outfield player who looked like he gave a fck v cyprus and morrisson will score v the swiss if given the nod

fck robbies ego, this is too important to let him fck this up