Robbie Keane

**eirebhoy** · 11/02/2006, 11:49 AM

The players appreciate his skill too. He played in some tournament this week with the likes of Reyes, Rooney and Ronaldo.

Cristiano Ronaldo: "Joga 3 is my kind of game high tempo and skills based, the futsal allows you to do some great tricks. Robbie and Cesc are fantastic to play alongside; Robbie is such an expert finisher whilst Cesc is such a talented play maker."

Cesc Fabregas: "It was such fun to play alongside Robbie and Cristiano tonight, both are hugely talented players. Joga 3 allows you to express yourself as a player whilst the futsal is the perfect weight for showing off your skills."

**Galwayutdcelt** · 28/02/2006, 1:27 PM

this is the same guy that went on the pish before game last year and then played pish poor, and as for playing Elliot he has not kicked a ball since November

**NeilMcD** · 28/02/2006, 1:31 PM

Well maybe the extra responsibilty will do him good. There are many ways to manage players and maybe Staunton feels that giving Robbie Keane the captaincy that he will respond in a positive manner. Also Elliot played on Saturday and as far as I am aware he did kick a ball. Also its a friendly so giving him 60 minutes could be a good idea. Its a brave team with a formation that is very flexible also.

**deadman** · 28/02/2006, 1:56 PM

i'm sure robbie's performances for tottenham when he was stand-in captain for king held sway for stan. the added responsibility seemed to have a positive effect on him.

Given certainly deserves the honour more than anyone but i'm not really a fan of having you 'keeper as captain.

**Poor Student** · 28/02/2006, 2:03 PM

It also needs to be a player you're certain you'll hardly want to drop throughout the whole campaign and I'd put Keane among the top of such a list beside Given and Duff. He wanted an outfielder and Keane has experience captaining and huge international experience in general.

**brine3** · 28/02/2006, 2:14 PM

And so ends Kevin Kilbane's record breaking consecutive starts for Ireland.

Excuse me while I get a hanky to wipe the tears... of joy.

**Hither green** · 28/02/2006, 2:38 PM

Not a bad choice in Keane. I'm not a fan of keepers being captains either, I'd have rather had Dunne as Vice Captain.

**finlma** · 28/02/2006, 2:50 PM

Originally Posted by Hither green

I'd have rather had Dunne as Vice Captain.

What exactly does a vice-captain do? I think its one of those made-up roles to make people happy. I don't even think the role of captain is that important in modern day football - its more of an honour than anything else.

**onenilgameover** · 28/02/2006, 2:54 PM

Originally Posted by brine3

And so ends Kevin Kilbane's record breaking consecutive starts for Ireland.

Excuse me while I get a hanky to wipe the tears... of joy.

Have to agree in a way....

**Hither green** · 28/02/2006, 3:07 PM

Originally Posted by finlma

What exactly does a vice-captain do? I think its one of those made-up roles to make people happy. I don't even think the role of captain is that important in modern day football - its more of an honour than anything else.

Vice captain? Captain's the side when the captain's off the pitch, which in the case of a forward is likely to be a fairly regular occurence. I don't agree that it's just honourary, sometimes they're not necessary, but with the right person in the role, they can have a big impact.

**zinedineontour** · 28/02/2006, 5:11 PM

Think its a good choice might be the making of keane for us it has worked for him at spurs and he has looked a changed player. .. dont knock it before we see how it works ffs ..

**The Legend** · 28/02/2006, 5:33 PM

Come to think of it I think Dunne might have made a good captain, maybe it was just too early for him, he hasnt played that much for us.

**colster** · 28/02/2006, 5:39 PM

I think Keane is a good choice.
One of things people have said is that this team lacks leadership with the retirement of Cunningham, Roy Keane etc.
Robbie Keane, Damien Duff and a few others will be expected to stand up and give that leadership.
I think giving the captaincy to Given would have been obvious. It would have been easy for the likes of Keane to remain in the background. Giving it to Keane forces himself and a few others out of the comfort zone. It's a statement of intent from Staunton that he wants these lads to stand up and take responsibility for their own perfomances and that of the team.

**nedder** · 28/02/2006, 6:07 PM

Originally Posted by colster

I think Keane is a good choice.
One of things people have said is that this team lacks leadership with the retirement of Cunningham, Roy Keane etc.
Robbie Keane, Damien Duff and a few others will be expected to stand up and give that leadership.
I think giving the captaincy to Given would have been obvious. It would have been easy for the likes of Keane to remain in the background. Giving it to Keane forces himself and a few others out of the comfort zone. It's a statement of intent from Staunton that he wants these lads to stand up and take responsibility for their own perfomances and that of the team.

Spot on colster. Best post yet on this topic

**dancinpants** · 28/02/2006, 6:13 PM

I agree with Colster. This may actually have been a very smart move by Staunton

**Irish Pride** · 28/02/2006, 10:45 PM

Good move by Stan, i seen Robbie quite a few times this season as captain for Spurs and he has done really well. We always look to Keane for goals but now we need to look to him for for Leadership and i hope he relises that.

**livehead1** · 01/03/2006, 12:57 AM

Originally Posted by colster

I think Keane is a good choice.
One of things people have said is that this team lacks leadership with the retirement of Cunningham, Roy Keane etc.
Robbie Keane, Damien Duff and a few others will be expected to stand up and give that leadership.
I think giving the captaincy to Given would have been obvious. It would have been easy for the likes of Keane to remain in the background. Giving it to Keane forces himself and a few others out of the comfort zone. It's a statement of intent from Staunton that he wants these lads to stand up and take responsibility for their own perfomances and that of the team.

yeh either that or leave them out! just imagine the uproar, but could be a real carrot for them to prove themselves...just an idea!!!!

**Den Perry** · 01/03/2006, 9:54 AM

Why do people criticise Robbie Keane so much? He is irelands top scorer ever at the age of 25, and has 64 caps....and plays for a top 4 premiership team

Having said that, a striker as captain may not be ideal.....I feel a captain has a better view and gets more involved from the back or midfield.

But very best of luck to Robbie

**colster** · 01/03/2006, 10:51 AM

Originally Posted by livehead1

yeh either that or leave them out! just imagine the uproar, but could be a real carrot for them to prove themselves...just an idea!!!!

If they perform badly then they will end up being dropped. I think the captaincy issue is a statement from Staunton that he wants Keane, Duff and others to look beyond their own performance, be more vocal in encouraging and getting the best out of the players around them i.e. that they stand up and give the leadership, direction and discipline that is required.

**livehead1** · 01/03/2006, 11:02 AM

Originally Posted by colster

If they perform badly then they will end up being dropped. I think the captaincy issue is a statement from Staunton that he wants Keane, Duff and others to look beyond their own performance, be more vocal in encouraging and getting the best out of the players around them i.e. that they stand up and give the leadership, direction and discipline that is required.

dont count on him dropping them if they play poorly.