Tottenham Hotspur FC

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Redknapp reassures Keane

02 Feb 2010 - 14:09:36

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Harry Redknapp has reassured Robbie Keane that he still has a future at Tottenham despite being allowed to join Celtic on loan.

Keane, 29, will spend the second half of the season in the Scottish Premier League after falling behind Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch in the pecking order this term.

Eidur Gudjohnsen's arrival on loan in recent days was expected to further reduce Keane's starting opportunities.

But despite suggestions that his Spurs career is over, Redknapp believes the Republic of Ireland captain can resurrect his career at White Hart Lane.

"I cannot see it being permanent. It is only a loan, until the end of the season," he explained. "I'd think that might be as far as it goes."

Speaking about his decision to let Keane move on, he added: "It was difficult for him not playing regularly and he is not happy to have been out of team.

"Crouch and Defoe are in good form and it can cause you problems when you have too many good players in one position.

"I could not guarantee Robbie that he would start tomorrow in the cup at Leeds, or against Villa at the weekend and he needs to play.

"He has a great enthusiasm for the game, Celtic is his team and it was a move for him I didn't want to stop him doing."