Source: Telegraph
Robbie Keane 'back home' at Tottenham after difficult time with Liverpool
Everton v LiverpoolKick-off: Wed Feb 4, 8.00pm; Goodison Park, LiverpoolTV: ITV1, ITV HD, Setanta Sports 2 (Scotland only)Radio: Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio Merseyside [LNB]And the Irishman could find himself handed the captain's armband at White Hart Lane. [LNB]Keane joined Liverpool in the summer for £20 million, but after scoring just seven goals he returned to Spurs, and should feature in the North London derby against Arsenal on Sunday. [LNB]"It was a difficult time for me at Liverpool, but there's no point in dwelling on it," said Keane. "I'm delighted to be back at a club I have very strong feelings for, having previously spent six wonderful years here."[LNB]Harry Redknapp, the Spurs manager, hinted that Keane, captain of the Republic of Ireland, could be given the honour with Spurs, in the absence of Ledley King. [LNB]King's injury means the defender cannot play regularly and, in his absence, Jonathan Woodgate wears the armband. But Keane has been linked with taking the role. Redknapp said: "Jonathan Woodgate is a terrific player as well so we'll have a look at it and make a decision. [LNB]Redknapp said of Keane: "He's a leader, he gives his all every time he plays and has great ability. He will be fantastic for us and his enthusiasm will rub off on other players around him. [LNB]As for his return, Keane said: "Coming back to Spurs was an easy decision to make because this is my home. Firstly in respect of the club – but also my house is in the area and everything is set up for me to walk right back into. [LNB]"It's funny how football works sometimes and situations turn around very quickly, but I can assure fans I will be giving my all to make sure this club stays in the Premier League. [LNB]"It would have been difficult for me to have gone anywhere else while a club I have such strong feelings for has this fight on its hands."[LNB]Keane started only 22 of Liverpool's 36 games this season, where Rafael Benitez failed to give the Irishman a decent run, and he added: "Now I have the chance to work with a fantastic manager in Harry Redknapp, who has done a great job since he came in, so I am lucky to be getting this exciting opportunity. [LNB]"It's been an up and down season for the club and there's been a lot of change, including a change of manager, but now it's up to us as players to start getting the team up the table," he added. [LNB]"It's all very close down there at the minute, and I will be doing everything in my powers to help us pull away from it. [LNB]"I'm coming back to a fantastic club with fantastic players. I am well aware of the strength of the squad having worked with near enough all of them. [LNB]"I am extremely excited about this new chapter in my career, even though it doesn't feel as if the previous chapter really ended." [LNB]
