CARSON, Calif. – After helping the LA Galaxy go undefeated in their last five games in all competitions, captain Robbie Keane will now devote his full efforts to helping Ireland qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
The Irish face a pair of decisive games during this international period as they face Sweden in Dublin on Sept. 6 and Austria in Vienna on Sept 10. Currently, Ireland are in fourth place in Group C tied on 11 points with with second place Austria and third place Sweden due to goal difference. Six points from these two matches could put Keane's squad in contention for a spot in UEFA’s playoffs as Germany is expected to win the group as they currently top the group with 16 points.
“These games are the make or break for us,” said Keane. “It’s important that we hopefully get six points. It’s going to be tough, but we certainly can’t afford to lose the games.”
Ireland head coach Giovanni Trapattoni couldn’t ask for his captain to be returning to the national team in better form as Keane has scored seven goals and two assists in his last five games with the Galaxy and joins the Irish full of confidence.
“It’s good. It’s a completely scenario, once I leave [the Galaxy] then I’m 100 percent focused on the national team,” Keane said following Saturdays’ 3-0 victory where he scored two goals in LA’s win. “I’m looking forward to meeting up with the lads and putting on that green jersey again.”
