Irish players pay tribute to centurion Keane

Shay Given and Kevin Doyle have led the tributes to Irish captain Robbie Keane ahead of the striker’s 100^th cap against Argentina on Wednesday night.

Keane will become only the fourth Irish player to reach 100 caps after current players Given and Kevin Kilbane (both 103 caps) and former manager Steve Staunton (102 caps).

The Tottenham Hotspur striker, who is Ireland’s record goalscorer with 43 goals in 99 appearances, will also have the honour of leading the Irish team out for their first game at the Aviva Stadium.

Ahead of the game, Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given hailed Keane, his goalscoring record at international level and his impact on the Irish team over the years.

“It’s a great achievement to get to 100 caps, especially with the occasion of the new stadium as well, it’s history in the making,” said Given.

“With it not being a competitive game, it’s also great for Robbie as he can enjoy it more.

“But looking back, he’s been huge for Ireland over the years, with a goalscoring record at international level that stands alongside some of the best players in the world.

“Sometimes we forget that and underestimate how important Robbie is to the team.”

Strike partner Kevin Doyle was also fulsome in his praise of Keane, saying it was a “privilege to play with him.”

“He’s won more caps, scored more goals, he’s captain, has played and scored in World Cup finals, so he is ranked as high as those,” said Doyle.

“Anyone who gets 100 caps, first of all it shows how much they love football, and then there’s his goalscoring record of a goal nearly every two games.

“It’s a privilege to play with him. In fact, I’m lucky to be able to play with him.

“He is someone I can learn from, to see how he prepares, how he looks after himself, how he gets into his positions to score goals.

“He’s only 30 as well, so he has the chance to win plenty more caps and score plenty more goals too,” he added.