Has Robbie Keane pulled on the green jersey for the last time?
It’s impossible to say for sure right now whether or not we’ll see the Republic of Ireland’s record goalscorer line out for one more tournament but all the signs would point to international retirement.
Having recently turned 36, Keane had to be content to deputise throughout Ireland’s Euro 2016 campaign and many believed he would call time on a storied career for the boys in green shortly after the tournament.
Ireland boss Martin O’Neill has hinted that Keane is set to go the way of Shay Given, who announced his international retirement on Thursday.
O’Neill was asked about Keane, Ireland’s most-capped player, and revealed that he anticipated an announcement from the striker shortly.
“Robbie will make an announcement pretty soon,” O’Neill said.
“I’ll leave it to him. He has some time left with LA Galaxy and it might be a case of concentrating on that so I’ll let him speak.”
While there is nothing concrete in O’Neill’s comments, one would wonder what there would be to announce if not a retirement. It would be unlikely that Keane would release a statement to confirm he’s playing on.
It could be possible that O’Neill wants to allow Keane a farewell appearance in front of his home fans when the Republic face Oman in a friendly on August 31 but, as of now, that’s all speculation.
As for the manager, he’s confirmed that he’s staying on for the 2018 World Cup campaign but just hasn’t got around to putting pen to paper just yet.
“There’s not a problem, I never know what the fuss is about,” he said.
“I agreed it some time ago but haven’t had the chance to get over. I’d some time off after the Euros and I haven’t had the chance.
“This is my first opportunity to get over. I’m away tomorrow but then I’m back in next week when I hope to see some of the European [club] games.”
