Harry Redknapp has suggested that Robbie Keane should be a candidate for the vacant Ireland manager's position.
The former Ireland captain is currently manager of Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv. Keane has received plenty of criticism for continuing in the role amid Israel's war in Gaza, including from Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald who said he had not made the right decision.
29 October 2023; Former Republic of Ireland player Robbie Keane and his son Hudson during the EA SPORTS U14 LOI Eddie Wallace Cup match between Shamrock Rovers and St Patrick Athletic at Athlone Town Stadium in Westmeath. Photo by Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile
"I know some people say sport and politics shouldn't mix, but I would say sport and genocide shouldn't mix," she told the Irish Examiner last month.
Maccabi Tel Aviv lead the Israeli Premier League after 15 games. The job is Keane's first as manager of a club. He had previously been an assistant at Leeds, Middlesbrough and under Mick McCarthy when he was Ireland manager.
READ MORE: Jon Walters Says Untold Story Of His Football Career Will 'Shock Most'
"Who's going to get that job? It's difficult, isn't it," Redknapp, who managed Keane at Spurs, told 2FM's Game On.
"You know who I'd like to see back in? You know who deserves better than what he's got in football since he finished playing? Robbie Keane.
12 October 2019; Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy and assistant coach Robbie Keane prior to the UEFA EURO2020 Qualifier match between Georgia and Republic of Ireland at the Boris Paichadze Erovnuli Stadium in Tbilisi, Georgia. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
"He's got great knowledge of the game, he's got a great personality. He's a great guy, everybody loves him. He was a fantastic footballer. Worked his socks off every game, gave everything."
Either Redknapp was unaware of Keane's current role or he does not rate the Israeli Premier League.
"I think he should be managing somewhere at a good level. I really do," he continued.
"His knowledge of the game, his work rate, his enthusiasm is fantastic.
"I'm really surprised that no one's gave Robbie a go."
FAI CEO Jonathan Hill said in December that the association aims to have a successor to Stephen Kenny in place by February. The draw for the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League takes place in Paris on February 8th.
