Robbie Keane has admitted it would be a career high for him if Republic of Ireland were to beat Spain on Thursday night.
Striker confident Ireland can emerge with an unlikely victory
Robbie Keane has admitted it would be a career high for him if Republic of Ireland were to beat Spain on Thursday night.
The 31-year-old skipper is aware that Giovanni Trapattoni's men must do their best to beat the world and European champions in order to preserve their involvement at Euro 2012.
The LA Galaxy striker is confident they can emerge with an unlikely victory to give themselves a chance of extending their stay in Poland and Ukraine.
Asked if a win would be the biggest result of his career, Keane said: "It would certainly be up there.
"People have probably written us off and not given us any hope. After losing the other night, it is very important that we get something out of the game because we need to get points on the board as soon as possible.
"It would certainly be up there. It would certainly give the players a lot of confidence and a lot of belief if we do get a result going into Monday's game."
Situation
Trapattoni fears his traditional 4-4-2 formation might allow the gifted Spanish midfield to dominate, and that could see one of his frontmen drop a little deeper.
Keane, Ireland's record goalscorer with 53, has not found the back of the net in his past five international matches and may be asked to play that role on more than one occasion, but he could alternatively find himself playing as a lone striker.
He said: "It depends on what the manager is thinking. We have had a chat and will speak again after training and see the situation of certain players.
"If that is the situation, that I do play as a lone striker, that is something I've done plenty of times before.
"It is obviously different to what I am used to, but it is something I enjoy doing. You have to play more on the shoulder and try to get in behind defenders.
"If the manager does decide to do that, it is something I would be very happy to do for the team.
"I can play in either of two roles. I can play as a midfielder just playing in front of Keith (Andrews) or Glenn (Whelan), or as a lone striker getting in behind the two defenders.
"We will have a look on the training pitch and see how every player is. I'm sure the manager will decide then."
