Robbie Keane has spoken of his commitment to the Republic of Ireland team, while Macedonia’s manager has warned that his team are more than just Goran Pandev.
Ahead of the Euro 2012 qualifier in Dublin between the Republic of Ireland and Macedonia, Keane says he intends to play on at international level for a while yet.
He says that he has “no intention of retiring at all” and that he wants to play “as long as I can”.
“You have seen over the years – I have always been committed and always wanted to play for my country. And that will never change,” the Irish captain says.
“I don’t want to predict what’s going to happen in three or four years’ time with injuries and what have you.
“So I will take each campaign as it comes and just look forward to this campaign – hopefully we can qualify.”
Macedonian coach Mirsad Jonuz, meanwhile, fired a warning shot ahead of the important encounter at the Aviva on Saturday evening, saying that there’s more to their team than Inter Milan striker Goran Pandev.
“Pandev does not play alone,” Jonuz says.
“There are many players playing with him who have to play for him to provide him with service.”
A fairly obvious statement, but hard to argue with.
“We know we can have success. Our target is to score first in the match, if it is possible. But every match is a new chapter. We have prepared to do the best we can and at the end we will see what happens.”
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ podcast – listen to the latest episode now!
