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Does Ireland have a Robbie Keane problem? Keane says “no”

Ireland Training and Press Conference - Group C: UEFA EURO 2012

GDANSK, POLAND - JUNE 13: In this handout image provided by UEFA, Robbie Keane of Ireland talks to the media during a UEFA EURO 2012 press conference at the Municipal Stadium on June 13, 2012 in Gdansk, Poland. (Photo by Handout/UEFA via Getty Images)

Handout

Starting lineups are just out for Ireland-Spain, and there’s Robbie Keane’s name, as usual.

Was there a question about it, especially given recent eye-opening performances from understudies Jonathan Walters and Shane Long? Maybe.

While Keane’s form has been called into question in some corners, the man himself doesn’t see any issues. And you could say that he’s earned some benefit of doubt; 53 goals in 118 appearances will do that for you.

What Keane said in his defense during the build-up to today’s contest against mighty Spain:

In the game against Croatia, we weren’t getting much as a team. We weren’t creating too many chances for ourselves and you can only score goals if you’re getting opportunities.

“That wasn’t the case the other day. As a group of players, we didn’t do enough to create chances. Am I happy with my form? Yes. You try to play as well as you can and do your best for the team.