Keane's arrival at Celtic has sparked excitement among the club's supporters

By Thomas McGuigan

Football still has the ability to surprise with a transfer that sets the cat among the pigeons.

Robbie Keane's loan move to Celtic from Tottenham comes into that category, just ask the thousands of Celtic fans who braved a rain-swept Glasgow late on Monday evening to give the Republic of Ireland captain a hero's welcome outside the club's stadium.

Keane's name was on the lips of most fans as the player they would've wanted to breathe new life into their faltering league title challenge - but never thought likely to be able to attract.

The 29-year-old striker has never suffered from a shortage of confidence or admirers.

His scoring prowess and attendant swagger has seen clubs including Liverpool and Inter Milan shell out more than £70m in transfer fees to secure his services.

However, Celtic, aware of the brutal financial realities of life in the Scottish Premier League, would baulk at an expected £10m fee to make Keane's move permanent.

Nevertheless, from now until May the club's fans can finally see their hero wear the Hoops.

Rumours of Keane's switch to Celtic have become stuff of legend during recent transfer windows as tongues wagged incessantly about the Irishman's movements.

His arrival comes at a time of major upheaval at the club: in his first season in charge since succeeding Gordon Strachan as manager, Tony Mowbray has recruited eight players and shipped out as least as many as he looks to win the league title.

But with SPL champions Rangers currently 10 points ahead in the title race having played a game more, Keane, will have a fair bit of pressure on his shoulders when he wears the number 7 shirt.

Robbie will be absolutely loved up there, the Celtic fans are the best in the world. John Hartson

Following in the footsteps of Celtic legends Jimmy Johnstone and Henrik Larsson - who hailed his signing as "fantastic" - Keane will carry the hopes and dreams of thousands of supporters.

And former Celtic striker John Hartson is backing Keane to be a hit in Glasgow.

"Robbie's scored more than 100 goals for Spurs, he's the record scorer for the Republic of Ireland and he's a fantastic player," Hartson told BBC Scotland.

"He's played in World Cups and massive games. He never really hit the ground running at Liverpool. Whether it was because of his relationship with Benitez, he was never given regular games.

"But everybody knows about Robbie Keane, he's a household name, a world-class player and a fabulous signing."

Hartson, in his five years in Glasgow, scored 119 goals and is confident Keane will have the golden touch with Celtic, for however long that may be.

"He'll find it easier than how he found the English Premier League, playing for Spurs, Liverpool and for his country," said the Welshman.

"Without sounding disrespectful, you do get a lot more chances. I probably wouldn't have scored the number of goals in the Premier League that I scored in Scotland.

"He's been prolific down the years. The last year or so has probably been the most indifferent time of his career because he didn't really do it at Liverpool and he hasn't been outstanding since he's gone back to Spurs."

Hartson added: "We know what he's capable of. I'm a massive fan of his and I'm sure he'll score bags of goals for Celtic, especially playing with Kamara up front, who's going to be a good strike partner for him."

Roy Keane failed to scale the heights during his short Celtic career

It's not the first time that a Republic of Ireland legend named Keane has arrived at Celtic Park to popular acclaim.

In December 2005, Roy Keane ended his near 13-year Manchester United career and moved north to Celtic.

But the 34-year-old failed to scale the heights at Celtic and retired from the game the following June because of a persistent hip injury.

His younger compatriot Robbie will be hoping to fare better in green and white.

"Robbie will be absolutely loved up there," said Hartson. "The Celtic fans are the best in the world. They'll appreciate him because of his Irish links as well, but they're signing a world-class player.

"When Celtic bought Sutton, Larsson and Lennon they were all world-class players. Celtic haven't managed to sign one of those for I don't know how many years now.

"The problem for Celtic is that they don't really push the boat out on wages. Robbie will be on massive money and they could probably do that for a few months if he helps them win the league or the Scottish Cup.

MY SPORT: DEBATE What do Celtic fans think of Keane's move?

"Tottenham would want a massive fee for him, probably about £10m. The better he does the higher the fee goes up.

"Whether or not they could get him on loan for another season I don't know. That would be great."

In the meantime, all Keane has to do is bring his shooting boots to Celtic and help them secure an unlikely SPL title.

No pressure really, but a task you fancy the Irishman will attack with relish.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version