Ireland (National Football)

When Ireland and Croatia take the field to open their Euro 2012 campaigns on Sunday, there are several key players who will decide the outcome of the match. Here is a look at the impact players for both sides and how they will affect the game.

Ireland

Shay Given

Ireland's goalkeeper has been nursing an injury entering the tournament, but he should be fine when the match starts. The Aston Villa keeper was in doubt because of a knee injury, but he has been training full-time and appears ready to go.

If he is on his game, Given is a top-flight keeper. Even at 36 years old, he can still get it done. If he can post a clean sheet, the Irish will have a great chance at picking up three points on Sunday.

Robbie Keane

Ireland's all-time leading scorer with 53 goals, Keane will be looked to to create some magic for the Irish. Ten years ago today, Keane had an equalizer in the 92nd minute against the Germans. He may need to do something similar for this year's squad to contend. 

Keane is a pure scorer who can seemingly strike out of nowhere. He will need to step up and do that today if the Irish hope to escape with a win.

Croatia

Luka Modric

Modric will likely be matched up against Keith Andrews for much of today's match. With Ivica Olic out with an injury, the Tottenham midfielder will have to find a way to make plays for Croatia.  

Modric has eight international goals in 54 caps, but his best asset is his ability to make plays for others. If Modric can get loose and make plays for Croatia, they will have a chance to do damage. If he can't, it will be a long day for his squad.

Nikica Jelavic

With Olic out, Everton striker Nikica Jelavic will have to step up and be a force offensively. The 26-year-old has only scored twice in 19 international appearances, but he just finished off a phenomenal season where he scored 11 goals in all competitions for Everton this year. 

Jelavic may need to find the back of the net on Sunday if Croatia hopes to come away with a win. He is probably the team's best hope for a goal.

If Ireland wants to find success at UEFA Euro 2012 they are going to have to stay true to their defensive identity, and they must start that right away against Croatia in opening round play.

The Irish are a defensive, fundamental team. There should be no doubt about that.

They aren't flashy, they aren't going to wow the world with a whole bunch of points, but they are going to get the job done. Clean sheets have become expected for this squad—11 since their last loss—and they won't typically put up a ton of goals.

According to a quote from Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni via Reuters on ibnlive.in.com, he likes the way his team plays.

"We don't have many creative players, but very straightforward players.We have our own style of football. We are not a Latin team, not a team who play technically superior. We are a team with our own characteristics, which I like very much, very direct and precise," said Trapattoni.

This is who they are as a team and this is what they do. I dare say a 1-0 game would be the perfect game for Ireland, and that's the mindset they're going to have to take into this tournament.

There are few things in sports more powerful than the identity of a team, and that is often times tested in big time moments like Euro 2012. These are the type of tournaments and moments that really stretch teams to their brink, so it's the squads that can remain true to themselves that really find success.

There are plenty of high-scoring teams in this Euro 2012 tournament, but Ireland doesn't need to keep up with them in order to win. They don't need to push themselves out of their comfort zone in order to find success, even though that may be the flashy or stylish thing to do.

If the opposition can't score, they can't win—it's literally that simple for Ireland.

Perhaps this simple strategy will give them an edge over their opponents. You know what they say, offense wins games, but defense wins championships.

Ireland needs to stick to their identity: Play solid defense and frustrate their opponents. The strategy has worked, and while it may not be flashy or super fun to watch, it certainly is effective.

The Irish can find great success at Euro 2012, and they can start off by shutting out Croatia.

There is no getting away from the fact that, while Group B may attract all the attention, Group C is just as difficult and is easily another "Group of Death" for Euro 2012.

Featuring four teams from Europe's top 13, Group C promises to go right down to the wire and won't be easy to qualify from—even for Spain.

Group C: Rankings

Croatia (FIFA-8/UEFA-6)

Rep. of Ireland (FIFA-18/UEFA-13)

Italy (FIFA-12/UEFA-9)

Spain (FIFA-1/UEFA-1)

In any other year and in any other Group, Croatia (6) would be one of the favourites to progress. Slaven Bilic's side progressed through the playoff's after a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Greece in the penultimate game of Group F.

It was a bad defeat for a number of reasons. It was most specifically for the way Croatia played and for the way Greece held them off at arms length through a deep defensive display before capitalising on two late set-pieces.

Now, Slaven Bilic faces the same type of threat times three.

Spain will be ultra patient and will keep possession until the very right moments. Italy will defend deep and counter, while Ireland will play in a similar way to the Greeks.

Leaving Croatia with it all to do if they are to progress.

Bilic likes to use a 4-1-3-1-1 type formation with Tottenham Hotspur's Luka Modric pulling all the strings at the base of midfield.

The problem with this is that while Modric always provides an excellent out ball, he is more than willing to take the ball under pressure, but he is not exactly the type of player who can drop into the back four when the going gets tough.

But if given time, he has the ability to unlock even the tightest of defences. When backed by the likes of Borussia Dortmund's Ivan Perasic, Bayern Munich's Danijel Pranjic and Wolfsburg's playmaker Mario Mandzukic, he has all the weapons he needs.

Usually playing on the counter, Croatia may find it hard to break down teams who do not constantly attack so getting out of Group C may prove too much for Bilic and company.

The Republic of Ireland (13) are in the Euros for the first time in 24 years and are led by the oldest manager in the competition—73-year-old Italian legend Giovani Trappatoni.

The Irish are belligerent, stubborn and conservative in the extreme. They do not take many risks during matches, just like the Greeks. The only team in the competition using a traditional 4-4-2, Trap has set the Irish up to be defensive and direct, and as a result they can be quite predictable.

They play with a flat back four who will not pass the half-way line and two deep midfielders who do not travel more than 15 meters from their centre-halves.

Ireland plays with a defensive bank of six backed up by two wingers who only attack when completely necessary. This often leaves the two-man strike team isolated, but each of the five forwards Ireland have brought to the Euros are at their best when holding the ball up and bringing others into the game.

It is this conservatism that is both Ireland's strongest point and their weakest. In tight games they will always be competitive but, if they go behind, they struggle to break teams who revert to defensive counter-attacking play. So each of their opponents is likely to start very quickly.

Also, in 24 years of major finals, the Irish have only managed to score more than one goal in a match just once—against Saudi Arabia.

However, they have good recent pedigree against Italy and Croatia. Ireland will probably use the Spain match to play their squad players so they will be underestimated at their opponents' peril.

Cesare Prandelli leads Italy (9) into Euro 2012 on the back of the latest and perhaps worst match-fixing scandal of all time.

The Italian manager has even said he would have no problem removing his team from the competition if political powers back home deemed it the best step for the country.

For every other team, the match-fixing scandal could prove to be a nightmare. Italy went into Espana '82 and Germany '06 under match-fixing clouds and won both World Cups.

This time around, Italy does not have the same calibre of players as yesteryear, and the scandal seems more sinister than before.

Italy almost qualified by default, despite being unbeaten, on top of the worst group in the European zone. Serbia was effectively eliminated when Italy was awarded three points for their corresponding match, being abandoned in October 2010.

Estonia, who finished second, was hammered by Ireland in the playoffs.

For his part, Prandelli recognises the lack of defensive talent offered to him, so he uses a narrow 4-1-2-1-2 formation that uses the full backs to provide all the width.

On their good days, the four men in midfield can be frightening. Pirlo, De Rossi, Nocerino and Marchisio are more than capable of playing at the very highest level.

However, a trial by fire in Game 1 against Spain means that Italy will start under immediate pressure to get something. If that goes badly, and with the current pressure they are under, it means they may implode by the time they take on Ireland eight days later.

European Champions 2008.

World Champions 2010.

European Champions 2012?

It would be fair to say that Spain (1) is now a super power, as far as football is concerned. Up until 2008, La Roja was always a bridesmaids and never a bride. Since then, the party just hasn't finished.

Their squad has more world-class players than any other. Vicente Del Bosque must be the envy of every manager in football, both past and present—perhaps with the exception of Mario Zagallo of Brazil 1970 fame.

Their strengths are obvious. It says something about the strength in depth of Spanish football at the moment, when Barcelona and Real Madrid, arguably the two greatest club sides on the planet, only contribute 12 players to the cause between them.

In David Silva, Juan Mata, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas, Sergio Busquets and Xabi Alonso, Spain possess seven of the best midfielders in the world. Xavi and Iniesta are certain to go down in history as two of the greatest players of all time.

How Del Bosque fits them into his team will be more than interesting.

Favouring a 4-2-3-1 in recent times, Del Bosque's team switches into a 4-3-3 when the perfect moment presents itself. However, the ex-Real Madrid boss usually goes with five of the chosen seven midfielders in his set-up. As a result, Spain can lack width.

This will become more pronounced if Sergio Ramos moves inside from right full to centre-half as expected after the late withdrawal of Carles Puyol. Atletico Madrid's Juanfran has been called up into the squad as Puyol's replacement, and now seems a certain starter at right full during all three group games.

Fernando Torres has also benefited from the late removal of David Villa from Del Bosque's plans. The superb Barcelona forward lost his battle to regain fitness after missing most of the last year through injury.

To further stamp his place in the team, and full of confidence at being the No.1 striker again, Torres scored his first goal in over a year for La Roja in the build up to the Euros.

In 2008, the Chelsea striker was told by Aragones that he was first choice and to go out and score—and his confidence soared. Now, in 2012, it seems like the same thing could be happening again.

Spain's weakness is similar to Barcelona's. They are prone to defensive lapses at the back and can get caught out of position after long bouts of possession.

Playing against three teams who will not come out willingly will be tough obstacles but, when all is said and done, Spain should have enough in the locker to overcome their group rivals— even if they do suffer an inferiority complex to Italian tactics.

They have only beaten Italy twice in 11 competitive matches since 1934—once in 2000 and again in the final of Euro 2008.

Conclusion

Like all the other groups in Euro 2012, Group C is impossibly hard to call.

Spain goes in as obvious favourites, but recent injuries to key players could prove to be their downfall. Add in the fact that every player in their expected starting six has played an average of 50 games this year, and they have not stopped playing for the last six years.

You begin to wonder if and when the wheels will come off for Spain.

As much as failing to get out of the group is a distinct reality, La Roja should have too much going forward for any of their goal-shy opponents and if Fernando Torres can return to previous form, they really could walk this grouping.

Finding a team for second place will be that much harder. I feel it comes down to the opening group fixture between Croatia and Ireland to see who will progress.

Both managers and teams know that this is really their final. In the opening game of the tournament, failure to take at least a point will mean an instant exit, considering the upcoming opponents.

Italy has a cloud over them. They start in the most difficult possible way, playing Spain and Croatia before facing Ireland and Trappatoni, who they have an inferiority complex against.

If the Gods are smiling on Ireland, they will have a massive traveling support and will win the hearts of Polish supporters, considering the close links between each country. Ireland could qualify and set up a tantalizing Quarter Final against either France or England.

Winners: Spain

Runner-up: Republic of Ireland

Group C Fixtures:

Match (05) June 10—Spain vs. Italy (PGE Arena, Gdansk—40,000)

Match (06) June 10—Republic of Ireland vs. Croatia (Municipal Stadium, Poznan—40,000)

Match (13) June 13—Italy vs. Croatia (Municipal Stadium, Poznan—40,000)

Match (14) June 13—Spain vs. Republic of Ireland (PGE Arena, Gdansk—40,000)

Match (21) June 18—Croatia vs. Spain (PGE Arena, Gdansk—40,000)

Match (22) June 18—Italy vs. Republic of Ireland (Municipal Stadium, Poznan—40,000)

Players to Watch

Croatia: Slaven Bilic's most important player is Luka Modric. The little wizard from Zadar is the epicentre of all that is good about Croatia's play.

But, the player to watch most is Ivan Perasic. The 23-year-old attacking midfielder signed for Borussia Dortmund in 2011 after leaving his home country at 17 years old to make it as a footballer.

He is comfortable anywhere in the attacking midfield set-up of a 4-2-3-1, and he can turn defence into attack with the drop of a shoulder.

Republic of Ireland: If there is any team at the Euros who are more than the sum of their parts, it is Ireland.

They have no real world beaters, but do have great professionals with world class attitudes.

Shay Given, Damien Duff, Richard Dunne and Robbie Keane do not know when to roll over. Trappatoni likes to be conservative but, if he ever has to take the manacles off, expect some blistering performances from Duff, Aiden McGeady and James McClean.

The Sunderland winger has been a revelation since breaking into Martin O'Neill's team. His appearance could be crucial not only for what he does on the pitch, but for whom he inspires from the bench.

Both Duff and McGeady are under threat from the 22-year-old and have responded by putting on their best performances in years in recent friendlies.

Italy: The star defenders of the past age are gone.

Italy can no longer rely on the likes of Baresi, Maldini, Costacurta, Bergomi or even Cannavaro. This Italian side is heavily reliant upon Pirlo and de Rossi—they are the real axis of this team.

They do all the work and leave the likes of Juventus' Claudio Marchisio to orchestrate their attacks.

He is a player who likes to come from deep and gets into the box as often as possible. As a result, he is a real threat on goal.

Spain: There is no doubt that Xavi Hernandez is the best midfielder the world has seen in decades. The little Barcelona maestro conducts proceedings for La Roja with ease, and he covers every inch of the pitch in his effortless style.

However, the one to watch will be Manchester City's David Silva.

A smooth operator in the front three of a 4-2-3-1 formation, the little midfielder is as creative a force as Xavi and Iniesta when on his game. His form for City has pushed him to the forefront after a few years on the sidelines.

Euro 2012 represents a real chance for the toughest player in the Spanish squad to shine.

Interesting Fact

Robbie Keane of the Los Angeles Galaxy and Christian Wilhemson of Al Hilal are the only two players who play football outside of Europe who will appear at Euro 2012.

A lot has been said, and written, about the emergence of the Republic of Ireland's James McClean since his inclusion in the nation's squad for Euro 2012. McClean only added fuel to the fire this weekend with his performance against Bosnia.

Against Bosnia, McClean didn't have his best game, but he showed exactly why fans have been desperate to see him on the field.

He may not have scored or played a major role in Shane Long's sole goal of the game, but McClean's ability to carve open defenses and beat fullbacks was evident throughout the game. Not only was he excellent with the ball at his feet, McClean also demanded the football more than once from his teammates showing that shyness isn't an issue despite that being his full international debut.

There is quite a lot of talk, mostly from fans, being excited about the prospect of Giovanni Trapattoni changing his attitude toward the team. On the verge of a major competition, after a campaign of rigid approach after rigid approach, not to mention a whole career to define his approach and tactics, the notion that Trapattoni is going to play a more expansive game is simply nonsense.

Trapattoni does not need to alter his tactical approach one single iota in order to include James McClean in his starting 11.

While the most startling aspect of McClean's performance at the weekend was his attitude toward his teammates, the most impressive was his work-rate. It comes as no surprise to anyone who has watched McClean play before, whether it be at Derry City or with Sunderland in the Premier League this past season, that he has a phenomenal attitude towards defending.

Against Bosnia, McClean showed off the enthusiasm that one would expect from a fresh face getting an opportunity to start for the first time. That enthusiasm consisted of running for 90 minutes up and down the wing ahead of Stephen Ward.

There were times when McClean was caught out of position, and the team were exposed to a counter, but McClean showed the determination and desire to sprint back and pressure the ball-carrier. It was noted by commentators during the game that McClean faded in the second half and made less of an impact on the game in attack.

That is true, but throughout the 90 minutes, he never once exposed his full-back by forgetting his defensive responsibilities. If the tactical approach only requires a winger to attack, McClean's defensive work would be irrelevant, but in Trapattoni's philosophy, wingers are asked to defend as much as fullbacks.

Undoubtedly Trapattoni would have taken note of McClean's constant running and will excuse his fading from the game considering the circumstances.

McClean is one of the fittest players in the Irish squad, at least that's how he appears on the field, and played the full 90 minutes against Bosnia in very hot conditions. To make it worse, McClean switched wings at halftime spending most of each half playing in the sunnier side of the field.

That may not seem important, but when wingers are asked to work as hard as Trapattoni's system requires them to, it is very important.

You see Trapattoni has never had as conservative an attitude with his wingers as he does his central midfielders. Neither Damien Duff or Aiden McGeady are limited attackers, but both are willing workers. Just like Stephen Hunt, Duff, McGeady and even Jonathan Walters, McClean has the required motor to improve the Irish first team.

When you are playing against such quality opposition as Croatia, Spain and Italy, Ireland must enter those games looking to score on the counter while defending with all 11 men on the field. Just like Kevin Doyle showed at the weekend that he will be, McClean's endless running, and extensive ability, will make him a perfect fit in that philosophy.

Trust is often considered an obstacle to McClean's chances at being a starter for Ireland at Euro 2012. Despite his perception, Giovanni Trapattoni is a passionate man. He hasn't had such a decorated career by being scared, cautious maybe, but not scared. With McClean, Trapattoni will see a willing worker, talented footballer and vessel who could instantly implement what he is taught through coaching.

Considering Martin O'Neil had no issue incorporating him into his Sunderland side this year, Trapattoni shouldn't, and likely won't, have any issue playing him either.

Don't make the mistake thinking that James McClean is another Andy Reid, Stephen Ireland or Wes Hoolahan. Even with Ireland, Trapattoni appears willing to play him if he was available. That should be no surprise because Ireland played on the wing when he last appeared for the Republic.

James McClean should start for Ireland at Euro 2012, and it shouldn't surprise anyone if he does.

Tweeting @Cianaf

The Republic of Ireland has selected their 23 man squad to travel to the European Championships in June.

Manager Giovanni Trapattoni has remained faithful to the same players that helped the country to qualify for the tournament, their first appearance at any major event in 10 years.

One player that has earned himself a surprise call up to the first team is Sunderland midfielder James McClean. McClean has been the subject of death threats since his inclusion because of his previous time spent in the Northern Ireland youth set up.

Coming on as a second-half substitute in February’s friendly against Czech Republic, cemented the talented prospect’s choice to play for the Republic of Ireland over his native Northern Ireland, much to the approval of the Irish public.

Captain and record goal scorer Robbie Keane, now of LA Galaxy, is expected to spearhead the attack alongside fellow forward, Kevin Doyle.

Keane has amassed 53 goals in 115 appearances for his country, and his commitment to the cause cannot be in question after showing up for every game in the last couple of years.

Doyle has had a season of misfortune with club and country, succumbing to numerous injuries and loss of form. He will be hoping to hit the goal trail in Ukraine and light up the championships.

The midfield will be one of experience with veteran wingers, Damien Duff and Aiden McGeady hoping to supply the ammunition for the strikers. In the centre of the pitch, Glenn Whelan and Keith Andrews will fall back and protect the defense, allowing the wide men to complement the attack.

Trying his best to keep the opposition goalless will be seasoned campaigner Shay Given. Given has played 121 times for his country and Euro 2012 may well be his last tournament.

Faced with the task of marking some of the world’s finest forwards will be a defense comprising of Richard Dunne, John O’Shea, Sean St Ledger and Stephen Ward.

The Irish team faces an uphill battle to qualify from a group which contains the reigning European and World champions Spain, along with Italy and Croatia.

If Ireland is to cause an upset at the tournament, the first game against Croatia is vital. They must win that and score enough goals to increase the pressure on the other teams.

Should Ireland somehow qualify, they will likely set up a meeting with either France or England.

France was the team that knocked the Republic of Ireland out of the World Cup 2010 playoff game with a dubious goal.

A clash against England would be a blockbuster affair back in the United Kingdom, capturing the attention of an entire nation.

The Irish fans are under no illusion of the task they face but will be sure to add a touch of color and vibrancy wherever they go.

With the Euro 2012 competition only a few weeks away, the Republic of Ireland squad is facing a series of injury concerns going into their friendly match with Bosnia and Herzegovina in Dublin on Saturday.

The injury concerns for the squad include first choice keeper Shay Given and a trio of defenders that includes John O'Shea, Richard Dunne and Sean St. Ledger.

The most concerning of the four injuries is Given's, as his knee injury is starting to gain more attention from the press and it is a strong possibility he will not be in net on Saturday at the Aviva Stadium.

If the Aston Villa man can not go on Saturday, the man in net will be Keiren Westwood, who has eight caps for The Boys in Green during his career.

The back four may also look a lot different as O'Shea, Dunne and St. Ledger will not play in Saturday's friendly but the three should be back in time for the first game of the Euro 2012 in Poznan. Poland on June 10th against Croatia.  

As for the friendly coming up with Bosnia and Herzegovina on Saturday, manager Giovanni Trapattoni will see what his bench can do as Stephen Kelly will most likely start at right back for O'Shea.

At center back, with St. Ledger and Dunne out, look for Darren O'Dea to step in as well as Stephen Ward to move over from left back so that Kevin Foley can slide in at left back, the position Ward usually plays.

Trapattoni and all of the Republic of Ireland hope that this lineup is only temporary and that when June 10th comes around, all four of these veterans will be ready to line up against Croatia.

The Republic of Ireland's last appearance at a major international tournament was in the 2002 World Cup, when they progressed to the last 16. Spain needed penalties to knock them out. Then, as now, Robbie Keane was pivotal to their hopes of progression.

Keane has had a memorable 10 years since in individual terms, becoming his country's all-time leading scorer (as well as enjoying several years as one of the English Premier League's best forwards). But until last year, qualification for the World Cup or the European Championships had alluded the Irishman.

With the chance to shine once more on one of world football's biggest stages, both Keane and his countrymen will be looking to make up for lost time.

Keane in Numbers

Robbie Keane was born in Tallaght, Dublin on 8 July 1980.

As of writing, prior to beginning preparations for Euro 2012, Keane has represented his country on 115 occasions and has scored 53 times.

That is a goal-scoring record comparable with the best at the international level and one that long ago outstripped the previous Irish leading scorer Niall Quinn (21 goals). In addition, only current international teammate Shay Given has played more times than Keane, and he has been playing for Ireland two years longer.

Keane's only appearance at a major international tournament came at the 2002 World Cup, where he scored three times (and once in the penalty shootout loss to Spain). Two of those goals were among the most memorable in Irish football history.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFQOoSUbnBs

In their Group E match with Germany, Keane ran onto a flick-on by strike partner Quinn to score an equaliser two minutes into stoppage time that proved vital in the Republic's progression into the next stage. It would be the only goal the Germans would concede until the final.

Keane's late heroics continued against Spain in the next round, where a 90th-minute penalty took the game into extra time before Ireland eventually lost out on penalties.

At club level, the 31-year-old has scored over 150 goals in spells at 10 clubs. His best tally was at Tottenham Hotspur, where he played for almost 10 years in two different spells.

The first between 2002 and 2008 was his most successful. In that time, he was a major part of Spurs' best team in over a decade that finished fifth in the Premier League twice (2005/06 and 2006/07) and won the League Cup in 2008.

Just under two months before that Wembley success, Keane scored his 100th goal for the club in a 2-0 home win against Sunderland. He finished up at Spurs with 122, leaving him ninth on their all-time scorers' list.

What to Expect from Keane at Euro 2012

Keane's transfer to the Los Angeles Galaxy last August came at a good time for the Dublin man. After a difficult second spell at Tottenham had petered out, the move to Major League Soccer rejuvenated the striker who was clearly glad to be wanted again.

He responded with three goals and two assists, playing his part in the Galaxy's first MLS Cup success of the David Beckham era (their third altogether). That form extended to the international scene too. Keane scored twice in the 4-0 first-leg qualifier playoff victory over Estonia last November.

Despite recent concerns over a hamstring strain, Republic manager Giovanni Trapattoni will have been pleased with the continued form of one of his best and most experienced campaigners.

The Galaxy's 2012 season has been a frustrating one thus far—with them laying at the bottom of the Western Conference (as of May 21st)—but as far as the Ireland coaching staff will be concerned, they will be pleased to see their captain playing games and scoring goals.

His loan spell with Aston Villa this past January saw Keane revelling in the freedom granted him there, grabbing three goals in that time. Whilst he will be charged with a more disciplined role at Euro 2012, it was a timely reminder to European audiences of his ability to turn it on in spectacular fashion.

Keane will need to summon this quality and replicate his star turn from 2002 should his team hope to progress from a difficult Group C that sees them come up against Croatia, Spain and Italy (in that order).

But Keane also knows hard work will be the order of the day too, and in keeping with his role in the Irish team since Trapattoni became manager, he will have to assume responsibilities beyond just scoring goals.

This will include contributing on the defensive side of things, especially if he is partnered with the more forward-minded Shane Long upfront.

Keane, though, is no stranger to such a shift. As a leader of this team, he will happily play his part in whatever Trapattoni has in mind, knowing how far the Italian has taken them thus far.

What They Say About Keane

Speaking about his captain following concerns over a recent hamstring injury, Trapattoni is well aware of how crucial Keane is to his team's hopes:

"Robbie for us is important. I think we have enough time for him to recover. We have three or four options, also important options, but obviously Robbie is our captain, our opponents have respect for him and he's experienced. He's important."

L.A. Galaxy boss Bruce Arena also values the Irishman and was delighted to welcome him to the club last August, telling their official website:

“Robbie Keane will be a great addition to our club. I have followed his career and have always respected his ability as a competitor and a goalscorer."

Keane has come a long way from his aspirations as a kid in Tallaght to become a professional footballer. So far in fact that early in May he was part of the Galaxy side that visited the White House and was one of those singled out by President Barack Obama for comment.

Making light of his Irish connections, the President jokingly described Keane as a "cousin of mine." He went on:

"Robbie arrived halfway through last season, scored his first goal in the first 21 minutes of his first game.

"His teammates were so happy to have him they filled his locker with what they call the pleasures of Ireland, Guinness, Baileys and Irish Spring. Hopefully Robbie has broadened their horizons a little bit since then."

Success with the Republic of Ireland won't earn Keane another trip to the White House, but should they get out of the difficult group stage facing them at Euro 2012, that will be reward enough in itself.