Tottenham Hotspur: Will Robbie Keane’s exit cost Spurs fourth spot?

Celtic boss Tony Mowbray stunned the world of football last night by securing the sensational loan signing of Republic of Ireland star Robbie Keane. Everyone expected a striker to exit White Hart Lane on deadline day but most people assumed it would be the Russian ace Roman Pavlyuchenko, not Robbie Keane, who would be heading for pastures new.

Celtic fans were delirious at the news and Mowbray will no doubt be hoping that the experienced marksman will rediscover his form at Celtic and help the under-fire Hoops recapture the SPL title from their Glasgow rivals Rangers. But what will Keane’s exit do to Tottenham’s chances this season of a top four finish?

Spurs are currently in pole position for Champions League football but they have the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Aston Villa breathing down their necks like crazed serial killers. Harry Redknapp’s men have 14 huge games in the league ahead of them and the fans would no doubt want Redknapp to have an experienced and prolific squad, which would include Keane, to choose from. However, Redknapp has other ideas and obviously believes that Spurs can do just fine without their former captain.

The old wheeler and dealer rescued the former Leeds United and Inter Milan striker from his Anfield nightmare just 12 months ago. Unfortunately, for both camps, his return to north London has failed to pay off. Keane was a hero amongst the Spurs fans before he left in the summer of 2008 for Liverpool in a deal worth £20 million. However, the way the move went through left a sour taste in the mouths of many Tottenham fans. So much so that his return wasn’t as grand as many pundits had predicted, and Keane has subsequently failed to rediscover the form of his previous spell at the Lane.

Keano has found the back of the net just 14 times since pulling on a Spurs shirt again, four of which came in one astonishing game against Burnley, and he has slipped down the manager’s pecking order – even more so with the arrival of Eidur Gudjohnsen. But how wise will Redknapp’s decision be come May?

The old adage goes that form is temporary, class is permanent, and Robbie Keane is certainly a top class footballer. He has more tricks than Paul Daniels, more energy than a Duracell bunny and more passion than two French porn stars. Keane may have struggled in front of goal in recent months but it only takes one goal to transform a striker’s season and no-one doubts that Keane can still cut it in the top flight. He has vast experience of the Premier League, possesses real quality in front of goal and, played in the right position, is an absolute nightmare for defenders. Will this decision prove to be a masterstroke by Redknapp or will it come back to haunt the former West Ham United and Portsmouth boss?

Keane’s arrival at Celtic Park will take some of the pressure off Tony Mowbray, who has received pelters from the fans furious that they are so far behind their biggest rivals Rangers, and Keane will undoubtedly get into double figures before the end of the season. But if he hits the ground running north of the border and Tottenham’s campaign hits the skids how many fans will start to question their manager’s judgement?

· Calling all Spurs fans. How did you feel when you heard Keane had signed for Celtic on loan? How much faith do you have in Redknapp’s decision to let Keane go? Are you glad to see him go? Who would you rather have up front, Gudjohnsen or Keane? How confident are you of securing a top four finish now? I’d love to hear from you.

 

· Calling all Celtic fans. How does it feel to have brought a top class striker to the club? How confident are you that Keane will be able to shoot Celtic back to the top of the table? What do you think Keane will bring to the team? I’d love to hear from you.