One of the most intriguing aspects of Ireland's qualification for Euro 2016 is the participation of Robbie Keane in France next summer.
The LA Galaxy striker was Ireland's joint top scorer in qualifying, with his five goals coming against group minnows Gibraltar over two games. Despite the goals scored in Group D, Keane has not started in Ireland's last four games and only featured in the 2-1 loss to Poland in Warsaw.
Former Ireland international Paddy Mulligan joined Raf Diallo on Newstalk's Rewind Podcast yesterday to discuss Keane's potential involvement in France next summer. Mulligan feels Ireland's record goalscorer has to feature in the tournament.
"I would take Robbie Keane... It's not sentimentality at all", Mulligan told Raf. Keane has scored 67 goals for Ireland.
Mulligan feels that Keane will be a benefit to Martin O'Neill both on and off the pitch. "If he got the opportunity with 20 minutes to go in a game he can go and sneak something for us. Off the pitch, he would be excellent. He would be one of the first people I'd have earmarked."
Martin O'Neill will have to make his decision on the 23-man squad before the end of May.
