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Keane promises payback for Celtic fans’ welcome

SoccerNews in General Soccer News 2 Feb 2010

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Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane expressed his thanks Tuesday to the thousands of Celtic fans who welcomed the Spurs striker to the club on a loan deal till the end of the season.

Keane, who had fallen down the strikers’ pecking order at Tottenham, said he was thrilled at the chance to play for the club he supported as a boy.

“The club is massive,” said Keane. “I am a Celtic fan and did not have to ask much about it. I always wanted to play for Celtic and it works for all parties.

“It was an overwhelming reception from the fans. You only get that kind of reception at a football club like this. It just shows the type of supporters Celtic have.

“I arrived at the stadium at midnight. People have work in the morning, so words can’t describe how it made me feel. I just want to say thanks to the fans and hopefully I can repay them in the coming weeks.”

Many Republic of Ireland youngsters grow up supporting the ‘Hoops’, and Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp said Keane would embrace his latest challenge.

“To go to Celtic is a dream come true for him,” said Redknapp.

“The Irish lads, it’s in their blood and they dream of playing for Celtic one day.

“This opportunity is one they want to take and we don’t want to stand in his way, because we’re strong in that position.”

This time last year Keane was on his way back to Spurs after a short spell with Liverpool.

But with Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch spearheading Spurs’ attack, Keane’s mind was finally made up when the London club signed Eidur Gudjohnsen, a similar style of player, on loan from Monaco, earlier this week.

However Redknapp said: “It has been difficult for Robbie because he has not been starting regularly and he is not a happy lad when he is not.

“But he has definitely not played his last game for Tottenham.”

Keane’s move was also made easier by Celtic agreeing to sell unsettled Australian striker Scott McDonald to Middlesbrough for an undisclosed fee.

Celtic manager Tony Mowbray also completed the loan signings of Fulham striker Diomansy Kamara and Bayern Munich defender Edson Braafheid, as well as securing Motherwell’s Paul Slane on a four-year deal.

Keane’s first test in the green and white jersey could come on Tuesday at Rugby Park where Celtic take on league rivals Kilmarnock.

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