CARSON, Calif. -- Robbie Keane says that he's ready to go for Saturday's match against Real Salt Lake after missing out on the LA Galaxy's regular season finale last week.
Keane told reporters on Friday that a hamstring strain prevented him from taking part in LA's 2-0 defeat to Seattle Sounders FC, but admitted that he expects to be fit in time for the first leg of Western Conference Semifinal against Real Salt Lake on Saturday.
"I trained last couple of days and my hamstring seems okay. Obviously I would have played. I think [people] know me well enough now to know that I will not to stay out of games unless it’s legit," said Keane. "I should be okay for Saturday."
Head coach Bruce Arena echoed Keane's optimism stating that the Irishman has no intention of missing out on the playoff game.
“Robbie could play if he had a broken leg,” Arena joked. “It was just precaution to hold him out. Come to think of it, I wouldn’t say he could play with a broken leg, but he would try anyway."
Having Keane back in the squad is a major boost for the Galaxy after a frustrating performance against Seattle that saw LA dominate in shots, but fail to find the back of the net. And with the captain back to full fitness -- plus Omar Gonzalez returning from suspension -- the Irishman believes that the Galaxy are well-equipped to make a deep playoff run.
"I think we’re more prepared [than 2013]," said Keane. "[We have a] better squad of players, more experienced players who understand how the playoffs go."
