KEANE TO CEL GLORY

Rob one game from returning Israelis to European group stages

- PAUL O'HEHIR

ROOKIE manager Robbie Keane is 90 minutes away from returning to the group stages of European football - some 13 years after doing it as a player.

Out of sight, out of mind, the former Republic of Ireland captain and striker has hit the ground running with Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Slated by some in Ireland for taking up work in Israel, Keane told reporters at his unveiling in June he would be steering clear of politics and focusing on football.

The football he wanted to focus on has gone rather well for Keane, who signed a two-year deal with the oldest and most decorated club in Israeli football.

Of the 10 games he has been in charge including two friendlies - Maccabi have won eight, drawn one and lost one.

The most recent of those wins came on Sunday when Macabbi stuffed Ashdod 4-1 as Keane got his team up and running in the first league game of the season.