Robbie Keane unconcerned by Alex Ferguson's remarks
LIVERPOOL'S Robbie Keane found himself the centre of attention for two unexpected reasons as he prepared for tonight's World Cup qualifier for Ireland in Montenegro.
The 28-year-old striker has unwittingly hit the headlines twice since his departure to join up with his international team-mates last Tuesday, and was questioned about both stories when he appeared alongside manager Giovanni Trapattoni at a press conference in Podgorica last night.
He was first asked if he was aware that Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson had admitted his biggest surprise of the summer transfer window was Liverpool's decision to pay Tottenham £20.3million for their Ireland frontman.
Keane, however, took the question in his stride, answering: "I am very surprised that John O'Shea doesn't play (for Manchester United) every week.
"Football is about opinions. Everyone has their opinions and I respect everyone's opinion."
Keane had also learnt during his spell away with his country that his home back on Merseyside had been broken into and some of his possessions stolen.
However, he was quick to play down the incident, and to confirm that the Carling Cup medal he won with Spurs last season was not among the property taken by the burglars.
He said: "I'm obviously grand because I'm sitting here. Everything is grand.
"It was just one of those small incidents. It's being taken care of at the moment, but it's nothing major.
"It wasn't the house in London. It's a little minor incident that happened in Liverpool, but the police are taking care of it.
"It's not a massive, massive thing. No-one is in danger or anything like that, there are just a few things gone missing, but nothing major."
Having cleared up those points, captain Keane was able to turn his attention to tonight's game and Ireland's attempt to reap a maximum six points from their first foray into the World Cup qualifying campaign.
The Republic got off to the perfect start with Saturday's 2-1 win over Georgia in Mainz as Montenegro were pegged back at the death by 10- man Bulgaria in a 2-2 draw at the Podgorica City Stadium.
Keane knows what a tough test his side faces in sweltering temperatures, but is confident that they will put on another good display.
He said: "It's obviously going to be a tough game, we are all aware of that.
"We had a really good start, but they are a very, very good side and they were very unlucky on Saturday.
"The players are aware it is going to be a very difficult game, and by no means are we going to take it for granted."
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Rudolph the Red Nosed Manager at it again with his so-called mind games before a big match.
Isn't it time someone asked him how his liver hasn't packed in yet during a press conference?
Or better still, just chin the €unt.
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