Robbie Keane insists he is not worried about his failure to score for Liverpool since his €24 million summer move from Tottenham. The Republic of Ireland striker has gone seven games without a goal for his new club, and also scored just once in his final eight games for Tottenham last term.
Keane has netted for the Republic of Ireland this term, but is determined to break his duck for Liverpool.
He said: "Obviously I realise I have not scored yet and that is something that I want to do, but it is also not something I am too worried about. If I was a young lad and a bit naive, then I would probably be really worried about it, but as long as the team is winning and I keep working hard, then that is all I can do.
"I know I will get my reward for all the hard work I have put in. I think my first goal is just around the corner. Hopefully when that does come, many more will follow."
Keane started on the bench in midweek against Marseille, and manager Rafael Benitez was guarded about whether he would select the striker against Stoke tomorrow.
Benitez said: "We want Robbie to score soon, yes. And if he is selected against Stoke, maybe that will be the time. But I am not concerned about this, his effort and work for the team is outstanding."
Keane, 28, also took time to settle in at White Hart Lane during the 2002-03 season when Glenn Hoddle bought him from Leeds for a €9.5 million fee.
He did not produce his first goal in a Tottenham shirt until halfway through October against Blackburn, but after that he went on to score 80 goals for the club.
Keane believes the continued support of the Anfield crowd will help him along.
He said: "The crowd have been brilliant to me since I came here. It has been everything I expected, what with being a Liverpool fan already. They are always the 12th man behind the ball and were roaring us on against Manchester United last week.
"They have really been great to me, and I can feel everyone pushing me on to get my first goal and hopefully that will be sooner rather than later."
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