DUBLIN, IRELAND – There appears to be no limit to Robbie Keane’s power of influence after opening the door for compatriot Kevin Doyle to join him in MLS.
On the pitch, Keane is the reigning league MVP with three MLS Cup winners' medals in four seasons and the captain’s armband at LA Galaxy. Off the pitch, he is the go-to man for approval on foreign imports. At least that’s how Colorado Rapids head coach Pablo Mastroeni sees it after reaching out to his former Galaxy teammate about Republic of Ireland international striker Doyle.
Keane, who was once a regular strike partner of the Wolverhampton Wanderers player, didn’t need to be asked twice before giving Doyle a glowing recommendation. It could have made up Mastroeni’s mind on opening up talks.
Transfer Watch: Rapids linked with Irish international forward Doyle
“I got a call from the Rapids manager, Pablo [Mastroeni]," Keane told the Irish press in Dublin yesterday. "I used to play with him at Galaxy, so he asked me about Kevin. I highly recommended Kevin to him.
“He would certainly do well over there. If he goes over there, it will be great for him. It will be great for the league, great for him, and I told Pablo that you could not wish to have a better person. He’s a great guy off the pitch, works hard, works his socks off on the pitch, and is a handful. Kevin scores goals, so he would be perfect for them. If he goes to MLS I will be delighted to have him over there.”
There is still work to be done for the Rapids to bring Doyle in, as he remains contracted to English Championship side Wolves, but the good words from Keane may have helped speed the process up.
Another Irishman, Rapids sporting director Padraig Smith, is also heavily involved in the talks surrounding a player who has 61 international caps and has played in the English Premier League.
- Find more LA Galaxy news and notes at LAGalaxy.com
If Doyle (pictured at right) was having any doubts about making the move Stateside, then a good word from Keane may have put him at ease. The Ireland captain clearly wields massive influence for both club and country.
Even the fact that Galaxy are in Dublin for a preseason training trip – in between visiting Sweden for a friendly with Hammarby – is down to the 34-year-old, as they scrapped plans to train at Tottenham Hotspur.
Next week, the Galaxy will take on Shamrock Rovers in a friendly at Tallaght Stadium, which is where Keane grew up. Again, his fingerprints are all over the fixture. And it could be the same if Doyle signs for the Rapids.
