Keane takes over captain’s armband in LA

The departure of David Beckham to Paris and Landon Donovan’s time on a sabattical means that Robbie Keane will assume the captain’s armband for the coming MLS season.

By Declan Whooley

With the new campaign set to get underway this season, mananer Bruce Arena has confirmed that the 32 year-old Dubliner will take over from Donovan as the skipper. The American international is currently in Cambodia as he looks to take an extended break from the game.

Keane was next in line as he was vice-captain last season in a campaign that saw him net 16 goals during the regular season and six more in the play-offs.

“Robbie Keane will be our captain to start the season, and he will be our captain this season,” Arena told reporters. “(Keane is) a fabulous choice as captain. He's a quality player, he's a quality leader, so Robbie's prepared to lead this team.”

This should boost his profile Stateside, after famously being described as an “unidentified fan” in this picture with Russell Brand and David Beckham last year.