Former team-mates and managers of Robbie Keane have been paying tribute to the Irish captain after he announced his intention to retire from international football.
The 36-year-old will make his 146th and final appearance next Wednesday against Oman before concentrating on his club career with LA Galaxy in the MLS.
The last of his five permanent Republic of Ireland managers, Martin O’Neill, led the tributes – saying it will take “some time” to get over his absence.
“Robbie’s appearances and goals for Ireland speak for themselves,”said O’Neill.
“He is undoubtedly one of Ireland’s finest every players and I do not see his international goal record being beaten for a very long time, if ever. It will take us some time to get over his absence.”
His first manager, Mick McCarthy, who gave him his debut in 1998, told Sky Sports News he was a joy to coach.
“He has had a remarkable career. He just loved playing for Ireland. A remarkable footballer,” said McCarthy.
Mick McCarthy on Sky Sports News says Robbie Keane was a street footballer, but not one who would "just juggle and do daft things".
— Mikey Stafford (@me_stafford) August 24, 2016
Two of his former striker partners, Niall Quinn and Kevin Doyle, were quick to praise the Tallaght native.
“You have to stop and think and take it all in – everything he has done and everything he has achieved in a green jersey,” said Quinn on Sky Sports News.
“It is incredible, it has been Roy of the Rovers stuff in many ways. We all over here will look back, applaud him for what he has done and thank our lucky stars that we had him around for those last few years.”
https://twitter.com/KevinDoyle1983/status/768477720967720961
Meanwhile his former Ireland underage team-mate Richie Sadlier could see one upside to the news of Keane’s retirement.
Finally a reason to go and watch Ireland play Oman. Robbie Keane deserves one hell of a send-off #legend
— Richie Sadlier (@RichieSadlier) August 24, 2016
On the latest GAA Hour we look back at Mayo-Tipperary and chat to Andy Moran about his incredible, never-ending career. Listen below or subscribe here on iTunes.
