CARSON, Calif. – While his LA Galaxy teammates prepare for the SuperClasico this Sunday against Chivas USA, Robbie Keane will be looking to help lead a rejuvenation project for the Republic of Ireland.
Months after the Irish failed to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup; Ireland will take part in two friendlies in the U.S. against Costa Rica at PPL Park on June 7 and U.S. Group G opponent Portugal at MetLife Stadium four days later. Although the Irish will not participate in the World Cup, Keane believes the games could put his team in good stead with qualifying for the UEFA Euro 2016 on tap later this year.
“We want to see a belief in the national team. We want to be a team that’s hard to beat like we used to be. We haven't qualified for the World Cup so it’s important with the new coaching staff [of head coach Martin O'Neill and assistant Roy Keane] to get back to winning ways.
“It’s important to have a feel to see where we are and see how good we are against top teams and if we can compete against them.”
