Robbie Keane: Qualification more important than scoring record

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Robbie Keane will put the Republic of Ireland ahead of a personal landmark when he runs out against Georgia on Monday evening.

The 35-year-old needs one more international goal to match German great Gerd Muller’s tally of 68, and he will be gunning for it at the Aviva Stadium.

However, the Los Angeles Galaxy frontman is adamant that the capture of three precious Euro 2016 qualifying points will be his only focus.

Keane, who scored twice against Gibraltar on Friday night, said: “For me, the most important thing is the team.

“It’s not about Robbie Keane, it’s not about individual awards or scoring goals, it’s about the team qualifying for the Euros, and if I can be a part of that and help this team in any way possible, whether it’s starting or on the bench, I’m fairly happy with that.”

Keane, who overtook Niall Quinn’s previous national record of 21 goals almost 11 years ago, has never been a man to dwell on personal milestones, although he admits being spoken of in the same breath as Muller is something he may appreciate more once he has retired.

He said: “I wasn’t aware of that before the game. One of your lads (in the media) mentioned it after the game. Listen, to be up there with those names is incredible.

“I still don’t really think about it too much. It’s probably one of those that when I hang the boots up and look back at it, then I can give myself a little bit of a pat on the back.

“But at this moment in time, I am always looking for the next goal.”

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