Post by Taxigirl on Mar 1, 2006 10:39:35 GMT
eleven-a-side.com/boysingreen/irish_soccer_detail.asp?newsid=21393
New Ireland captain Robbie Keane admits he was taken by surprise by manager Steve Staunton’s decision to hand him the international captaincy.
With former skippers Roy Keane and Kenny Cunningham and potential captain Matt Holland all retired from the international game, one of Staunton’s first decisions was to name an on-field leader.
Shay Given was the early favourite but he eventually had to settle for the vice-captaincy, with Keane following fellow Dubliner Cunningham into the armband.
Ireland’s record goalscorer has captained THFC on occasion this season in the absence of Ledley King, but he admits it was a surprise to be promoted to the position at international level at his relatively tender age.
He said: "I wasn’t expecting to be made captain. You always dream one day you will captain your country, but to be honest, I didn’t think it would come at the age of 25.
"I thought I would have been older. But at THFC I was given the role of vice-captain, and when Ledley King has been out injured or whatever, I’ve then been captain. It’s something I’ve really enjoyed. But to captain your country, I’m very honoured and privileged, and I’m grateful to Stan for putting his trust in me and believing I can lead this team.
"I certainly believe I can do it, so it’s a case of looking forward to what is a new chapter in my career, and in Irish football also.”
New Ireland captain Robbie Keane admits he was taken by surprise by manager Steve Staunton’s decision to hand him the international captaincy.
With former skippers Roy Keane and Kenny Cunningham and potential captain Matt Holland all retired from the international game, one of Staunton’s first decisions was to name an on-field leader.
Shay Given was the early favourite but he eventually had to settle for the vice-captaincy, with Keane following fellow Dubliner Cunningham into the armband.
Ireland’s record goalscorer has captained THFC on occasion this season in the absence of Ledley King, but he admits it was a surprise to be promoted to the position at international level at his relatively tender age.
He said: "I wasn’t expecting to be made captain. You always dream one day you will captain your country, but to be honest, I didn’t think it would come at the age of 25.
"I thought I would have been older. But at THFC I was given the role of vice-captain, and when Ledley King has been out injured or whatever, I’ve then been captain. It’s something I’ve really enjoyed. But to captain your country, I’m very honoured and privileged, and I’m grateful to Stan for putting his trust in me and believing I can lead this team.
"I certainly believe I can do it, so it’s a case of looking forward to what is a new chapter in my career, and in Irish football also.”