Former Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp has claimed that Ireland’s record goal scorer, Robbie Keane, would be an ideal candidate to take over the Ireland managerial gig.
Since being ousted from his role as manager of the Irish national team, the FAI has not yet found a replacement for their former employee, Stephen Kenny.
Several names have already been linked to the role, including the likes of Roy Keane, Steve Bruce, Chris Houghton, and others.
However, there has never been a strong link between Robbie Keane and Ireland until now. Keane is Ireland’s outright record goal scorer, with 68 international goals to his name.
Keane, who is currently the manager of Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv, is six months into his two-year contract with the team and has little first-team experience as a manager but more experience as a number two.
Before his current role in Israel, Keane was hired as an assistant to Sam Allardyce at his old club Leeds and aimed to help them avoid the drop towards the end of last season, but they were unable to save the Elland Road outfit from relegation.
Redknapp, speaking on the Game On RTÉ2fm, claimed that Keane’s personality and knowledge of the game would make him an ideal choice for the current Ireland gig.
“Who’s going to get that (Ireland) job? It’s difficult… You know who I’d like to see back in? Who deserves better than what he’s got in football since he finished playing? Robbie Keane.
“He’s got great knowledge of the game; he’s got a great personality. He’s a great guy; everybody loves him.
“He was a fantastic footballer. He worked his socks off every game and gave everything. I think he should be managing somewhere at a good level. I really do.
“His knowledge of the game, his work rate, and his enthusiasm are fantastic.
“I’m really surprised that no one’s given Robbie a go.”
Nevertheless, the FAI has claimed that they will look to appoint whoever Kenny’s replacement may be before Ireland’s double header in March. Ireland will welcome Belgium on Saturday, March 23rd, with kick-off at 5 p.m., before Switzerland visits Dublin on Tuesday, March 26, with kick-off at 7.45 p.m.