Aloisi friendship the key as Brisbane Roar target Keane

Ireland star Robbie Keane has emerged as a high-profile Brisbane Roar target, with coach John Aloisi hoping a friendship forged during a stint together at Coventry City could seal the deal for the veteran striker.

Robbie Keane

Robbie Keane celebrates after scoring a goal for Ireland earlier this year Source: Getty Images

Aloisi has acted swiftly after the announcement last week that the ex-Republic of International will depart LA Galaxy next month after six sparkling years and 125 goals for the MLS club.

Aloisi has been given the go-ahead by the Roar's backers, The Bakrie Group, to chase Keane, 36, on a guest player contract for the remainder of the A-League season, under the same newly-minted provision which allowed Melbourne City to capture Socceroos icon Tim Cahill.
A fully-fledged Galaxy legend, Keane's English clubs included Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, Leeds United and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

But it was the season he spent with Coventry back in 1999-2000, where his path intertwined with fellow striker Aloisi, which is the key in terms of the Roar's hopes of signing to soon-to-be free agent.

Aloisi, who spent three years with the English club - nicknamed the Sky Blues - fostered a friendship with Keane, which he is now drawing upon to tempt him to the A-League.

Amongst other parties interested in Keane are his hometown club Shamrock Rovers, with the Daily Mail reporting the two were in talks this week.

Keane won three MLS Cups at Galaxy, was the league's MVP in 2014 and was the club's player of the year each season from 2012 to 2015.
The 36-year-old has pledged to play on, saying ahead of his exit from California: "I believe that now is the right time for a new challenge as I look towards the next chapter of my playing career. 

"I still feel as fit and sharp as ever and I am looking forward to my next adventure. 

"Having now retired from international football I am ready to focus everything I have on one last major challenge in club football and will be taking time out to consider my options before announcing my next move."


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2 min read
Published 22 November 2016 11:21pm
Updated 22 November 2016 11:41pm
By Dave Lewis

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