Robbie Keane: Republic of Ireland legend all set for emotional and unexpected exit from international football against Oman
ROBBIE KEANE makes an emotional and unexpected exit from international football tonight.
The striker thought he had played his last game for the Republic of Ireland after declaring he would quit after the Euro 2016 finals.
O’Neill has given Keane the perfect send off IMAGE: PA:Press Association
But Republic boss Martin O’Neill invited him back for a farewell in his home city in the friendly with Oman at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.
Keane, 36, said: “I’m very grateful to Martin for giving me the call to play the last game. I’m looking forward to it.
Keane announced his international retirement during Euro 2016 IMAGE: SportsfileThe former Wolves and Spurs man will get to play for his country one last time IMAGE: Sportsfile
“It’s going to be a great occasion. But I’m still going to go into that game to do the best I can for the Irish team. That’s the same feeling I’ve had since I was 17.”
It will be Keane’s 146th cap and he is looking for his 68th goal.
Keane says he is delighted to be given one final game IMAGE: Sportsfile
That would put the Republic’s most-capped player joint 14th with German legend Gerd Muller in the all-time list of international scorers.
The LA Galaxy forward said: “I don’t care about Muller’s record. I’m chasing the next one because that’s what I’ve done since I was seven.”
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The Oman clash is a warm-up for Monday’s World Cup qualification opener in Serbia.
O’Neill has called up Dundalk keeper Gary Rogers after Portsmouth’s David Forde pulled out.
Everton duo Seamus Coleman and James McCarthy miss the Oman game to boost their chances of being fit for Serbia. Sunderland’s John O’Shea is a doubt.
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