Republic boss Trapattoni backs Robbie Keane to deliver
Euro 2012 qualifier, Yerevan: Date: Friday 3 September Kick-off: 1600 BST Coverage: Live updates on BBC website
Trapattoni and Keane have a laugh during training in Dublin
Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni believes Robbie Keane's lack of action at Tottenham will help in the upcoming Euro 2012 qualifiers.
Keane, who is poised to skipper the Republic in Friday's opener against Armenia, remains at Spurs despite an expected transfer deadline-day move.
"I am selfish and at the moment, for the Ireland team, it is better he has played a few games," said Trapattoni.
"He is proud and I'm sure he can play like the Robbie Keane we know."
He added: "Robbie is mature. I have spoken to him about whether he should stay with his club, and I said to him, 'Sure, your club needs you'.
"He is balanced in his mind about football because he knows from many years in England, he knows the situation."
Meanwhile, 33-year-old full-back Kevin Kilbane has been handed the task of helping to nurse a new generation of Ireland stars through their formative moments on the international stage.
The Hull defender, who is in line to win his 105th senior cap on Friday evening, did consider retiring from international football following the controversial World Cup play-off defeat by France in November last year.
However, having decided to fight for his place with the likes of Manchester City's 19-year-old Greg Cunningham fast emerging from the ranks, he has been asked by Trapattoni to keep an eye on some of his younger colleagues.
"The kids want to take the shirt off your back, and will do if you are not performing. We have two or three coming in with real quality," said Kilbane.
"We haven't qualified for a major tournament in five or six years, and so young lads have had no real no chance to shine.
"This is the time for lads like Kevin Doyle to shine, and we need to qualify so they can have their chance on a big stage."
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
Bookmark with:
What are these?