IRELAND NEED SKIPPER and record goalscorer Robbie Keane as Martin O’Neill plots a course to Euro 2016, according to former Boys in Green favourite Jason McAteer.
Keane is set to undergo surgery on, what the new manager described as, a ‘chronic’ Achilles issue on the eve of the Poland game and will be almost 35 years of age when the next tournament rolls around.
The LA Galaxy player can still fulfil a vital role within the squad however, says McAteer.
“As long as Robbie Keane is still affecting football matches he’s worthy of a place in the squad,” the former Liverpool and Sunderland midfielder said.
“Against the bigger nations, the likes of Germany and that, maybe it might be time to let the youth run its course. Shane Long is a good player. He’s still developing last year at West Brom. We all thought he was going to get a big move. It didn’t quite transpire and his form has dropped a little bit.
“Maybe it is time to move over the captaincy. Robbie’s experience around the dressing room and his high standards is needed. Players do need a liaison between the management and Robbie has been doing that with Trapattoni and he should be there in that capacity as well.
“I do think Robbie Keane should be in the squad and with an Achilles operation coming up he knows that needs to be managed well. Whether he is going to be number one on the starting sheet, I’m not too sure under a new manager. They might want to freshen it up and bring in the youth.
“He would be my first name down on the squad. You just need him around the place and while he is affecting games as well what a fantastic person to bring on if you’re looking for a goal. Even if you’re winning 1-0 it’s not all about sticking a defender on or another midfielder. Sometimes you can defend from the front and Robbie’s ability to get into holes that make defenders think and push defenders back.”
McAteer at yesterday’s Setanta Sports media event. Credit: SPORTSFILE
O’Neill and assistant Roy Keane will have plenty of time to reflect their squad before the next friendly international in March against Serbia. Who should take the armband if it’s decided Keane’s reign is over?
“I think McCarthy and Coleman certainly for the future. McCarthy definitely,” says McAteer, who was in Dublin to promote Setanta Sports’ Premier League coverage.
“You will always like to have a captain with that little bit of experience and John has been through it all at club level and at international level. He’s a great character as well. As a person and as a man he’s fantastic to talk to. His temperament is very good and he has got leadership qualities. John would make an ideal captain if it should be taken off Robbie.
“I’m not suggesting Robbie should move over and give it up. Robbie as a goalscorer and as a striker is Ireland’s best and overall as a person and someone who has been in Irish football Robbie Keane has got to be up there as being the best. I certainly wouldn’t rule out Robbie starting games, that’s not what I’m saying, I’m just saying age is catching up with him and Robbie knows that as well. While he’s affecting football matches, I’d still have him around.”
Jason McAteer was speaking in Dublin where Setanta Sports announced their Christmas and New Year’s fixtures. To subscribe to Setanta Sports visit setanta.com
