Glenn went too soon, says Keane

Robbie Keane today defended axed Tottenham manager Glenn Hoddle and insisted the club should have given him more time.

The Spurs striker, who will represent the Republic of Ireland in tomorrow's Euro 2004 qualifier against Switzerland, said: "It is never nice when someone gets the sack and Glenn is someone who I respect highly. He brought me to the club and showed a lot of faith in me.

"It is a shame because Glenn was saying that once we get everyone fit we have a good side, which we have, and it was only a matter of time before we were going to turn it around.

"It is a shame the way it happened. He was given money to spend during the summer and then after six games he got the sack.

"That is obviously their decision, but I think maybe he should have had more time.

"It was only a matter of time before we turned it around and had a bit of luck. We had no luck up to then and maybe they should have given him a little bit longer. He treated me okay and I wouldn't have a bad word to say about him."

Celtic's Martin O'Neill is rumoured to head the list of candidates for the vacant managerial post at White Hart Lane and Keane added: "Everyone knows Martin O'Neill is a great manager. It is not up to me, it is up to the board and whoever comes in will have a good job on their hands. We have got a good side with a lot of good players."