Won won't be able to call on him forever and it would make a lot of sense that once this summer's Euro 2016 campaign comes to an end, we may well see the last of Robbie Keane in an Ireland jersey. It will be a tough pill to swallow when it does happen but at least we can console ourselves with the knowledge that he'll be passing on his knowledge to the next generation.
It's taken three years of hard work but the FAI have today confirmed that Robbie Keane has secured his UEFA A Licence via the Association's Coach Education programme. A number of well known names, including the likes of Keith Andrews and Andy Reid have been part of the FAI's course for both the A and B licence programme and Keane completed the hefty workload before passing his final assessment just before Christmas.
According to the man himself;
It has been a long process with a lot of hours put in and I’m delighted to have completed the programme.
There was a lot more to it than just being out on the pitch coaching players and I’ve had to take on board an enormous amount of information. Aspects such as analysis, theory, periodisation, preparation for sessions and various other assignments were testing but over the period of time I've been involved in it things came together.
Keane has confirmed that the idea behind taking his coaching his badges is to 'coach at the highest level' and as far as we're concerned that means he's already eyeing up Martin O'Neill's job.
Ever since Greig Paterson met with the Senior International Squad about the idea, and I discussed getting my qualifications, it was with a view to ensuring I did the work required to coach at the highest level when the time comes and I’m delighted I was afforded the opportunity to do that at home in Ireland.
Alongside Keane, Keith Andrews and Andy Keogh have also undergone a similar course and come through it in full. While the FAI have confirmed that Glenn Whelan, John O’Shea, Stephen Kelly, Andy Reid, Paul McShane, Gary Kelly and Kevin Foley are all also on the course at the moment.
So when Martin and Roy do decide to move on to pastures new, we can look forward to a management team of Robbie Keane in the top job with John O'Shea as his assistant and Andy Reid as coach. We'll find a role for Gary Kelly somewhere.
