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by paulie1975

Created on: May 01, 2011   Last Updated: May 02, 2011

Robbie Keane is a good footballer, over a long and distinguished career he has played for a number of high profile football clubs including Liverpool, Leeds United and Internazionale of Milan, unfortunately whilst he is a good player, I wouldn't bracket him as a great player, and certainly not a player who could save West Ham from relegation.

Keane has over 100 caps for the Republic of Ireland and 40 goals, he also has scored goals everywhere he has played (although never being truly prolific and exceeding 15 goals in a league season), but I don't think goals alone can save West Ham right now, it seems that they have a general lack of creativity in Midfield, a defence that lacks confidence, and more crucially pace, and a Manager who is solid and trustworthy but unable to find solutions to clear problems.

Keane could have been a strong component in avoiding relegation, but his injury record counts against him, and this has proven the case, since signing from Tottenham, he has scored 2 goals in 4 games, which is a 50% conversion rate, one of the best in the Premier League, but he has only played 4 games.  He suffered a calf injury in February and hasn't played much since which has devalued his value to the team and the fans at a crucial time of the season.

I think had he stayed fit, then he could have given the goal push the club needed whilst Scott Parker returned to shore up the midfield, and Matthew Upson marshalled the defence, unfortunately without Keane, the club have been sporadic in front of goal, he also adds a leadership element, as a hugely experienced player in different countries, he is a battler and a real old head, which could have benefitted the club hugely right now.

While I don't think Robbie Keane can save the club now, I think that if he were to stay, he could easily follow the example of another seasoned striker in Craig Bellamy and inspire the club to promotion with a glut of goals in the Championship.

Keane's injury was unfortunate for the player and everyone at West Ham, he could have added a dynamic alongside the other stars at the club and pulled them out of the relegation dogfight, but now I feel it is too late and he will have to decide whether to continue playing for the club in the English Championship.

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