'Great knowledge, great personality' - Harry Redknapp touts Robbie Keane for Ireland job

Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp has touted his one-time striker Robbie Keane for the vacant Republic of Ireland manager's post.

Keane served as an assistant coach during Mick McCarthy's ultimately short-lived second stint in 2019, the former's direct involvement abruptly ending when Stephen Kenny assumed the role during the Covid lockdown period in April 2020.

After a brief spell working with Sam Allardyce in their doomed, last-ditch effort to preserve Leeds United's Premier League status, Keane subsequently took his first head coaching gig at Maccabi Tel Aviv.

While the decision to accept a post with an Israeli club was highly contentious - Keane being criticised by Sinn Féin TD Chris Andrews among others - on the pitch, at least, things have gone well for the Dubliner, with Maccabi Tel Aviv currently top of the Israeli Premier League after 14 games of an interrupted season.

In a freewheeling interview on Game On on RTÉ2fm, former Spurs, West Ham and Portsmouth boss Redknapp said Keane had the knowledge and enthusiasm necessary to get a top job.

"Who's going to get that (Ireland) job? 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 good level. I really do.

"His knowledge of the game, his workrate, his enthusiasm is fantastic.

"I'm really surprised that no one's gave Robbie a go."

Ireland are still seeking a manager after parting with Kenny last November following the failed Euro 2024