Martin O'Neill: 'Robbie Keane among Republic of Ireland's greatest'

Ireland's coach Martin O'Neill attends the Euro 2016 group E football match between Ireland and Sweden at the Stade de France stadium in Saint-Denis on June 13, 2016. The match ended in a 1-1 draw
© AFP
Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill says that Robbie Keane's goalscoring record may never be topped.

Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill has paid tribute to Robbie Keane after the striker announced his retirement from international football.

The coach described the Los Angeles Galaxy forward as one of the country's greatest players and said that his goalscoring record is unlikely to ever be topped.

"[Keane is] undoubtedly one of Ireland's finest ever players," O'Neill told reporters. "I do not see his international goal record being beaten for a very long time, if ever.

"It will take us some time to get over his absence."

Keane, who has netted 67 times for Ireland, will make his final international appearance in a friendly against Oman next week.

Robbie Keane of Republic of Ireland celebrates after scoring Ireland's 3rd goal during the UEFA EURO 2016 Qualifier between Gibraltar and Republic of Ireland at Estadio Algarve on September 4, 2015 in Faro, Portugal.
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