Tottenham striker 6/4 to use shop window
Many consider Robbie Keane's career to have been in almost constant decline from the minute that he made the ill-fated decision to move from Tottenham to Liverpool in 2008 and there is no denying that this has been his most disappointing season yet.
The Republic of Ireland's all-time record goalscorer and captain has netted just three times in a combined 20 appearances for Tottenham and West Ham and missed three sitters in three matches as the Irons suffered relegation, ruling out his chances of securing a permanent deal there.
The 30-year-old admits that he has no idea what the future holds for him, though he is eager to remain in the Premier League, so tonight's Carling Nations Cup clash with Northern Ireland presents both an opportunity to put a dreadful year behind him and show suitors that he is still worth signing.
Keane's international form has also been far from superb but he has equalled his club football tally this season and showed glimpses of his best against Macedonia in March with a perfect poacher's goal, following in a free kick that was spilled in his path by shaky goalkeeper Edin Nuredoniski.
The forward is [2.5] to strike and [5.2] to fire first, as Giovanni Trapattoni's side chase their first victory in three meetings with their neighbours in Dublin to go three points clear of Scotland, with his debuting partner in attack Simon Cox of West Brom next in line at [3.05] and [6.4] respectively.
The hosts are justifiably favourites at [1.52] given that Northern Ireland travel down without key men like Aaron Hughes and Chris Brunt, however they have kept just once clean sheet in seven games so don't discount both teams to score at [2.28] and over 2.5 goals at [2.26] as profitable wagers.
Republic of Ireland v Northern Ireland
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Live on Sky Sports 1
Think Nigel Worthington's men will cause an upset? They are [8.2] outsiders...
Published: 24 May 2011
Leave a comment