3 OF THE BEST FROM ROBBIE’S REPERTOIRE

AS the late Dave Coleman said after Kevin Keegan scored the opener for Liverpool against Newcastle United in the 1974 FA Cup final, ‘Goals pay the rent, Keegan does his share.’ The same could be said of Robbie Keane. Of all his 393 career goals, there were some which mattered more than others. Like these three.

1 Rep of Ireland v Germany 2002 World Cup, Ibaraki.

Ireland were staring down the barrel of an early exit when Keane latched on to Niall Quinn’s knock down, took a touch, wrapped his right foot around the ball, and let rip. Watch Oliver Kahn pound the turf in exasperation as Keane began his celebrations. Ronaldo was the only other player to score against Kahn in the finals in Japan and South Korea.

2 Spurs v Blackburn, Premier League, 2006

Keane juggled the ball away from Robbie Savage and then Andy Todd before finishing adroitly past Brad Friedel with his left foot. The goal illustrated his skills, quick-thinking and clinical finishing ability. There were 90 others for Spurs, but this was arguably the pick of the lot.

3 Arsenal v Liverpool, Premier League, 2008

There weren’t many goals for Liverpool, but this was out of the top drawer. Keane displayed plenty of awareness to get a run on his markers after Daniel Agger’s long punt. As the ball dropped in front of him, the Arsenal defenders were converging and he had to take the shot on early. The half-volley finish was exquisite, an amalgam of power and precision as the ball fizzed past Manuel Almunia.