Keane glad group outcome in Irish hands

Ireland striker Robbie Keane admits tomorrow's must-win clash against Switzerland is going to be difficult but says he is glad…

Ireland striker Robbie Keane admits tomorrow's must-win clash against Switzerland is going to be difficult but says he is glad the outcome of the group is in the team's hands.

"Basically it is going to be very difficult. "We are currently in third place, on the same points as Russia and one behind the Swiss, but Russia have a better record against us in the two games we have played with them.

"If we draw and Russia lose we would go into the play-offs, but they are at home to Georgia and are flying lately so you would have to fancy them to win that one.

"It is in our own hands, we know a win would see us through. Whether we needed a win or a draw this was always going to be a very tough match. The Swiss are a very good side.

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"I think our players will be up for it. We have been in these situations before and have come through them, so let's hope we can get the result that would see us at least into the play-offs."

The striker also has some sympathy for the sacked Tottenham manager Glenn Hoddle who he thinks should have been given more time.

Keane said he cannot understand why the board gave Hoddle £12 million sterling to spend on new players in the summer and then sacked him just six games into the season.

Keane also suggested that, if he had any say in the matter, he would like to see Celtic's Martin O'Neill brought to White Hart Lane as Hoddle's successor.

The striker explained: "It is never nice when someone gets the sack and Glenn is someone who I respect highly. He brought me to the club and showed a lot of faith in me.

"It is a shame because Glenn was saying that once we get everyone fit we have got a good side, which we have, and it was only a matter of time before we were going to turn it around," Keane said.

"That is obviously their decision but I think maybe he should have had a bit more time. It was only a matter of time before we turned it around and had a bit of luck."