Robbie Keane Biography: 14 Years of a Legend Being Taken for Granted

To say that Robbie Keane is much maligned would be something of an understatement. The ex-Leeds, ex-Inter Milan, ex-Liverpool and quite possibly the soon to be ex-Spurs striker has had to suffer more than his fair share of "slings and arrows" during his 14 year career.

It is, however, more than worth noting though that Keane is his country's top scorer of all time with 51 goals in 108 games for Ireland.

He is also the ninth highest goal scorer in Tottenham Hotspur history with 121 goals from 291 matches and the 10th highest scorer of all time in the English Premier League with 123 strikes.

Keane is the 10th highest scoring European international footballer of all time, the 27th highest scoring international footballer of all time, and, probably, most importantly he is the most prolific international striker of all time from the British Isles.

Which isn’t bad for someone who many feel isn't exactly a great player.

Last Eight For UEFA U-19 European Championships Finalised

Last years runners up, Spain, and Turkey have won through their UEFA Elite Phase Groups to complete the last eight the UEFA U-19 European Championships.

They will join, hosts, Romania, Serbia, Belgium, Greece, Czech Republic and Ireland when the competition begins in earnest next July.

Giovanni Trappatoni Looking at Payback For Ireland and Italy at Brazil 2014

Even at 72 Giovanni Trappatoni has lost none of the bite you would expect. The most successful manager in the history of Serie A and one of the games all time greats seems to be enjoying the twilight of his career in Ireland, to such an extent that now he wants to lead the Irish to Brazil for the 2014 World Cup where he feels he may have some unfinished "business."

Team USA Set To Go to War with Team Ireland Over 18-Year-Old Conor Doyle

Fresh from their recent battles with the IFA and the SFA, the Football Association of Ireland are turning their guns towards U.S. Soccer over the services of 18-year-old Conor Doyle.

The Texan recently signed for Championship side Derby County after impressing Nigel Clough in a three week trial during the summer. Clough Jr. was so impressed with the physique and technique of the youngster that he awarded the player with his debut against Crewe Alexandra just four days after Doyle signed on the dotted line.

2010 World Cup: Ireland 2-1 Paraguay Back to the Drawing Board For La Albirroja

Paraguay's World Cup plans took a severe knock after the South American side were easily beaten 2-1 by Ireland in Dublin.

Giovani Trappatoni's side tore into the World Cup Group F team right from the start, pressurising them as high up the pitch as possible. This simple tactic created havoc in the Paraguayan defence as their players panicked at every opportunity.

Everton's Shane Duffy Almost Dies After a Freak Accident on Ireland Duty

18-year-old Everton defender Shane Duffy almost died in an Ireland developmental squad practice match on Friday night after his liver was lacerated following an innocuous clash with goalkeeper Adrian Walsh.

The friendly was put together to allow Giovani Trappatoni time to assess his newest members of the squad before Ireland take on Algeria and Paraguay next week.

What makes the accident even harder to bear is that Duffy has yet to receive his papers which would allow the Everton youngster to play for Ireland following a massive diplomatic row between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Aaron Ramsey Thanks Stoke City's Glen Whelan for Helping After Horrible Injury

Speaking for the first time since suffering a horrific leg break last week against Stoke City, Aaron Ramsey insisted that he would come back better than ever. He then reserved special praise for Glen Whelan, the first player to react and help him as he lay on the ground in agony.

Stoke City's Glen Whelan, The Only Player On The Pitch To Keep His Head Following Aaron Ramsey's Horror Injury

Ryan Shawcross clattered into Aaron Ramsey, his leg shattered and the promising youth lay screaming on the ground. His Arsenal team mates screamed, vomited, and held their heads, leaving Stoke's Glen Whelan as the only man cool enough to read the situation properly and comfort the stricken youth.

Ireland Turns Down FIFA's Patronizing Fair Play Award For 2009

While Lionel Messi deservedly won FIFA's Player of the Year Award for 2009, the real story from the star-studded Gala in Zurich was the FAI's refusal to accept a highly patronizing Fair Play Award.

"I think the way the president of FIFA behaved was an embarrassment to himself and an embarrassment to FIFA. There is an awards ceremony and they have offered us a Fair Play award. We've respectfully declined." said a dignified John Delaney, President of the FAI.

A Bit Of Pulis Brutality For Arsene Wenger As He's Told He "Moans Like a Drain"

Some of the Premier League's best known manager's have turned turned on Arsenal's Arsene Wenger in the wake of his comments about Wolves losing to Manchester United midweek. Stoke's Tony Pulis even went as far as to say he "moans like a drain."

Irish Peterborough Owner To Quit After Racist Abuse From Own Fans

Irish millionaire Darragh MacAnthony has signalled that he is willing to part company with Peterborough after coming in for some racist abuse from irate fans over the clubs recent poor run.

"Sad" Roy Keane Urged To Move on by FAI Chief John Delaney

On Friday afternoon Roy Keane's outburst about Ireland's loss to France surprised everyone. His constant use of the phrase "get over it" has now come back at him as FAI Chief, John Delaney has hit back at the "sad" Keane and told him to "get over Saipan."

Thierry Henry Can Handle The Ball, But He Can't Handle The Truth

Since Ireland's exit from the World Cup at the "hand" of Thierry Henry, there have been many things said and done. But there are only two absolutes after this infamous day. Ireland are out, and Thierry Henry's star has fallen...

France Cheats Its Way Past Heroic Ireland To South Africa

France cheated their way to South Africa tonight after Ireland succumbed to a travesty of justice as Thierry Henry handled the ball twice in the build up to William Gallas' winning goal.

It was an outrageous way to win the match after Ireland had taken the game to their "mighty" opponents and put in the kind of performance that the players will remember for years.

Ireland 0-1 France: Advantage Les Bleus After Priceless Anelka Away Goal

France took one giant step towards the World Cup finals in South Africa this evening after they beat Ireland 1-0 at Croke Park in the first leg of the UEFA Playoffs. Nicolas Anelka's deflected strike was enough to secure a deserved advantage for Les Bleus ahead of the return leg in Paris on Wednesday.

Andy Reid's Performances For Sunderland Open Ireland's Trap Door?

Andy Reid's brilliant performance for Sunderland against Manchester United yesterday sent Giovani Trappatoni, his Ireland manager, the clearest message so far: That Reid is far better than any other midfielder he has in his Ireland squad and deserves to face Italy and Montenegro next week.

Shane Supple Retires From Football At 22 To Choose A Life Less Ordinary

Ipswich Town's Shane Supple has taken the decision to retire from professional football at the tender age of 22 after he "fell out of love" with the game.

In a fitting final act before retiring, the young star saved the final Shrewsbury penalty in last week's Carling Cup tie, which sent the Tractor Boys through to the next round.

James McCarthy Scoops the SPL Young Player Award, Next Stop the EPL?

James McCarthy's growing reputation as the best teenage player in Britain received another huge endorsement this week when he picked up the SPL's Young Player of the Year 2009 award.

Dimitar Berbatov Out For Bulgaria, On Current Form It's a Bad Move For Ireland

With Giovanni Trappatoni worrying over the fitness of Shay Given and Aiden McGeady ahead of Ireland's crucial World Cup Qualifiers against Bulgaria and Italy he was hit with the hammer blow news that Dimitar Berbatov has pulled out of the Bulgaria squad.

The Manchester United striker has failed to deliver on his £30m stg price tag this season and his last few performances in the famous red shirt of United have been abject at best...

Football's Hard Men: A Who's Who of the Hardest Men in Soccer

The beautiful game...Over the years football has had its fair share of memorable characters. Great players, great managers, legends...One can remember moments that seem to stick in the recesses of the mind.

Diego Maradona dribbling from the half way line against England. Marco Tardelli wheeling away with tears in his eyes after he scored in the World Cup final. Pele and Moore swapping jerseys. There are many moments in the sport we love.

But one thing that is as remembered as a great goal is a great tackle, and sometimes a bad tackle.

Here is a celebration of some of the hardest, dirtiest, and toughest players ever to play the game.

First up is Terry Butcher as pictured above...