Robbie Keane will be in no mood for sympathy when Ireland look to complete their Euro 2012 mission at home to Estonia on Tuesday night.
The LA Galaxy striker chipped in with two goals in the 4-0 win in Tallinn on Friday and also had an assist for the Jonathon Walters goal as Ireland all but assured qualification.
The Estonian side - they flew into Dublin on Sunday - ended the match with nine players and broken hearts and have nothing but pride to play for at the Aviva Stadium. Not that Keane will be worried.
“Why should I feel for Estonia?” he asked. “No one felt sorry for us in Paris two years ago.
“We were devastated in the dressing-room that night but it is amazing how football can turn around for you.
-----------------
More Irish sports news from IrishCentral
US tourist says she captured image of Jesus on Cliffs of Moher
Archbishop of Dublin shocked at survey into public reaction to clerical sex abuse
-----------------
“This is a tremendous result for this team and for Irish football and deserve to enjoy it now. We wanted to get one or two goals to take back to Dublin but to get four is absolutely tremendous.”
Anxious to keep Irish feet on the ground despite the outbreak of premature celebration in Tallinn, Keane will look to win the second leg as well.
“It would be a tragedy if we didn’t qualify now,” he insisted. “As professionals we have to do our job properly on Tuesday night and not get too carried away with this.
“It is only half-time in the play-off but it will allow us to be calmer on Tuesday and enjoy it with the fans who were superb again in Estonia.
“As players we know how important it is for the country to taste success again at this level.
“We haven’t been in this situation since the 2002 World Cup and we saw then and in Jack Charlton’s team what it means to people.
“The whole country comes to a standstill and enjoys itself on the back of these tournaments and it is very important that we are aware of that.”
-----------------
More Irish sports news from IrishCentral
US tourist says she captured image of Jesus on Cliffs of Moher
Archbishop of Dublin shocked at survey into public reaction to clerical sex abuse
-----------------
Comments