Source: Eurosport
Keane: Republic galvanised by Trappattoni
Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane believes his team-mates have shown their commitment to the national team's cause, even before a ball has been kicked in their friendly against Australia in Limerick on Wednesday.
Boss Giovanni Trapattoni has this week enjoyed the enviable position of having a near full-strength team to work with after only Coventry striker Leon Best pulled out of the original 24-man squad - which was named last month - due to an injury he suffered at the weekend.
While other national team bosses have seen their squads reduced by the usual spate of pre-friendly pull-outs, especially with the new season just three days away, the Republic have been an exception to the rule.
Keane puts that down to the togetherness of a squad he believes have been galvanised by the sage leadership of the 70-year-old Trapattoni, who took on the job 15 months ago.
"You can see already with results we have had that since the manager has come in that he has done a great job," the Tottenham striker said.
"What he has done in the past goes without saying and he has made a massive impact on Irish football, not just the team but also the country."
