Source: Eurosport
Keane: Folan can cope
Republic of Ireland skipper Robbie Keane has no fears about rookie international Caleb Folan being pitched into the heat of World Cup battle.
The 26-year-old Hull striker is in line to make his first competitive start for Ireland against Bulgaria as Giovanni Trapattoni's side attempt to ease themselves closer to next year's finals in South Africa.
Folan, who played a key role in Keane's precious equaliser in Italy in April after coming on as a substitute, is likely to partner the Tottenham man with Kevin Doyle out injured.
They know each other from their time together at Leeds, the younger man's home-town club, and Keane has seen enough development in the Yorkshire-born frontman to know he will
handle the big occasion at the Vassil Levski Stadium in Sofia.
He said: "I saw what potential he had when he was at Leeds. He is a different player to what you see around. He is a big lad, he's got a great touch and if you saw the impact he made in the
Italy game when he came on, he was superb when he came on.
"If he brings that into this game and for the future for Ireland, he has certainly got a great future with the national team."
