Irish captain Robbie Keane has moved one step closer to becoming a manager after his playing career concludes.

Keane completed the UEFA A & B Licences over the past three years with the help of the FAI. He completed his final assessments before Christmas.

“It has been a long process with a lot of hours put in and I’m delighted to have completed the programme,” said the Ireland captain.

“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."

Other former and current internationals on the course include Glenn Whelan, John O’Shea, Stephen Kelly, Andy Reid, Paul McShane, Gary Kelly and Kevin Foley. Keith Andrews and Andy Keogh were among the players to complete the course with Keane.