ROBBIE KEANE INTERVIEW

442: Are You excited at the prospect of your first world Cup?

RK: I'm really looking forward to it. At Leeds I've tried to concentrate on my club form, but you get caught up in all the World Cup fever once you come back to Ireland and see all the Irish boys again. They seem to be talking about little else here; the whole country is looking forward to it. There was a tremendous amount of disappointment in missing the World Cup finals in 1998, so they're getting excited about this one and I really think we could do well in the Far East.
This is the biggest stage in the world and it has always been my dream to play on it, so this summer will be a dream come true for me. Gary Kelly played in one in 1994 and he told me it is a unique experience that you have to enjoy as much as possible.
As a kid growing up in the back streets of Dublin I used to pretend I was playing in the World Cup with my mates out on the streets, and now I will be doing it for real. I used to pretend I was John Aldridge, or even Paul McGrath. It is a lovely feeling to know kids are now playing in the back streets of Dublin pretending to be me.

442: What are your favorite memories of watching World Cup finals?

RK: It has to be when Ireland played in the 994 finals in the USA, and my best memory is Ray Houghton scoring that lob against Italy in New York. It proves that Ireland can do well against the big teams. Then there was the Schillaci scoring against us in the 1990 quarter-final in Italy to put us out, but we enjoyed a great World Cup that year.

442: What are the strengths of this Ireland Team?

RK: We have a great sense of togetherness. It is our team spirit that has taken us to this World Cup. No one expected us to qualify for this tournament, but we have such a strong bond between us. I really don't think we have any weaknesses. Roy Keane is also a real asset, and I just hope he is fit for the World Cup. He is our leader, and you can see that on the pitch as he drives us on. Roy likes to keep himself to himself off the pitch, so we don't rope him into the practical jokes. We just reserve all that for Niall Quinn!
I have the utmost respect for Niall. I used to love watching him as a player, so it is a joy to play alongside him. I might take the mickey out of him, but deep down I have so much admiration for him. He really is a smashing bloke. His decision to donate all the money from his testimonial to charity is tremendous and says everything about him. I hope Niall's decision will make other footballers do the same.

442: Are you looking forward to spending so much time away with your international team-mates?

RK: We'll probably get sick of the sight of each other pretty soon, but it should be an enjoyable time. We have a good set of lads and a really great team spirit. Garry Kelly and Jason McAteer are the jokers of the team, who will keep everyone in a good mood. Gary Kelly likes his practical jokes. Me and him particularly enjoy annoying Steve Staunton and Niall Quinn. You have to give the older players plenty of stick!

442: What are the differences in playing up front with your two potential partners, Damien Duff and Niall Quinn?

RK: They are completely different players, with the main difference being height! Quinny is a target man, who holds the ball up well and is great in the air whereas Duffer is more like me as a player with his movement and sharpness. I couldn't really express a preference.

442: Who will you be sharing a room with in the Far East?

RK: Richard Dunne, and that will be good as were both from the same area of Dublin. We get on well and it won't be too much trouble spending so much time with him. He has a strange way of sleeping as he likes to kick off all the blankets and just have them up by his chest.

442: Does he wear anything in bed?

RK: I don't look to be honest! I don't know! That's an odd question!

442: What was your reaction to Ireland's first round draw at the World Cup?

RK: Some have said it is the easiest group at the World Cup, but we realize it won't be like that. Germany are a tremendous side, but to be honest I don't know much about Cameroon and Saudi Arabia. Cameroon look big and strong, and we had a tough time against Iran and the Saudis could be similar.

442: Does England's 5-1 win over Germany give you hope?

RK: That was a great result for England, but it has gone and I don't think the Germans will be welling on it when we play them this summer. Michael Owen seemed to trouble the German defence with his pace and I hope I can do the same with my pace. I would like to think I can get a few chances against them.

442: What would you consider to be a good World Cup for Ireland?

RK: Qualifying for the second stage would be a successful World Cup for us. I think we can do it. I couldn't make any promises about what will happen after that, but certainly, not making the second stage would be considered a big disappointment. Our performances against Portugal and Holland in qualifying have given us a lot of confidence. We were given no chance against them, but we held our own and we will be trying to do the same this summer.

442: Did you hear sink when you heard leeds had signed Robbie Fowler?

RK: No, no. I think we need a big squad to compete in Europe for all the trophies. We need as many players as possible as there are so many big games these days. Successful teams have to rotate their squads.

442: Yet you have lost your place in the leeds starting line-up. How much has that hurt your pride?

RK: It has been very frustrating, as I obviously want to play in every game. I don't pick the team, so all I can do is keep trying hard and keep myself ticking over. It is a difficult situation as there isn't much I can do about it. I have had a chat with David O'Leary because I had to find out my position. I was pleased with what he told me and I just have to keep working hard.

442: There has already been a lot of speculation that you will be leaving Leeds this summer. Will you be at Elland Road for the start of next season?

RK: Yes, I will be there net season. I want to stay because I think this team is going to go on to great things and I want to be involved in it. That is the reason I signed for leeds and that hasn't changed. I am happy at Leeds and I want to stay. There has been talk that Leeds might sell some players, but all the players believe we can win some silverware next season and it is important that we are all kept together.

442: Will your lack of match practice for Leeds affect you at the World Cup?

RK: It could actually work in my favour and I could be a lot fresher for the World Cup than some players. I have to look at the positives and plenty of players will arrive at this World Cup having played a lot of games this season. Players seem to be picking up little injuries now, but I haven't played in as many games as I would have liked to so I fell good now. A lot of players might be tired, but I feel nice and sharp.

442: Has the thought of the World Cup kept you going throughout your difficulties at Leeds?

RK: Oh yes, it has been nice to know it is always there at the end of the season. It has been a real positive for me to hold on to during all the frustrations.

FOUR FOUR TWO