Robbie Keane can take out his West Ham frustrations on Macedonia – Ireland assistant manager Marco Tardelli

Robbie Keane and Richard Dunne – Ireland (PA)

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Ireland assistant manager Marco Tardelli is happy with what he has seen from skipper Robbie Keane after the striker returned from injury and expects him to use his domestic frustration as a motivation to perform on the international stage.

The West Ham United forward had sustained a thigh injury that has held back his contributions to the Hammers’ survival battle, but the 30-year-old has since overcome the problem to impress the Tardelli during training sessions with the national team.

Now Ireland are set to take on Macedonia in a European Championship qualifier that could have a big impact on the fortunes of both sides and Tardelli believes that Keane can take his club frustrations out on the international stage.

“I think Robbie Keane has caught the eye because he has been out of action for many days with his injury,” he said, according to the Daily Mail.

“I have found him fit and there has been a smile on his face which everyone around the squad can see. And he is in good form.

“It will be a good motivation for him to take out the frustrations of this season on Macedonia, but there is still a long way to go in the Premier League.

“I do think this is a good chance for him to play well. Because of his experience, Robbie Keane is very important for us.

“We have many options but I think it is possible for Robbie to play. He is fit to play a full match but for now and the future we have good options in Jon Walters and Shane Long, who has already played in a very important match in Slovakia.

“This match is very important. Maybe we dropped a point at home but against Slovakia, who are a very tough team, we played very well. Now it is very important for us to play well again.”