Redknapp waxes lyrical about Robbie Keane's Ireland credentials
Robbie Keane has been floated as a suitable candidate for the Ireland vacancy by his former boss Harry Redknapp.
Ireland’s record goalscorer is currently undertaking his first permanent standalone role, with considerable early success, at Maccabi Tel Aviv but the renewed unrest in Israel could curtail his longevity.
Keane (43) previously worked as Mick McCarthy’s assistant in 2019 but wasn’t retained in the preordained handover to Stephen Kenny.
His next coaching post was flanking Sam Allardyce in an ultimately fruitless late tilt at preventing Leeds United from relegation last season.
The FAI are currently immersed in a search for Kenny’s successor ahead of the February 8 draw for the UEFA Nations League in Paris.
Lee Carsley and Chris Hughton, at present employed as England U21 and Ghana managers, head the shortlist but other contenders will be interviewed by Director of Football Marc Canham, chief executive Jonathan Hill, and possibly Packie Bonner, the independent director who chairs the FAI’s International and High Performance Committee.
Keane’s former Tottenham boss Redknapp feels the decision-makers should be considering Keane seriously for the job of arresting Ireland's slump to 60th in FIFA’s rankings.
"Who's going to get that (Ireland) job?,” the Englishman wondered aloud, during an interview with RTÉ 2FM’s Game On radio programme.
“It's difficult. You know who I'd like to see back in? Who deserves better than what he's got in football since he finished playing? Robbie Keane.
"He's got great knowledge of the game, he's got a great personality. He's a great guy, everybody loves him.
"He was a fantastic footballer. Worked his socks off every game, gave everything.
“I think he should be managing somewhere at a
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