Keane to join elite and shock Santini

The Tottenham striker's 21 goals have come in only 54 internationals and, perhaps most amazing of all, Keane is still only 24 years old.

"I've been around for so long, people think I'm 27 or 28 at least," he said.

"I don't mind, I actually take it as a compliment. I am one of the senior players in the Ireland squad now and that means taking responsibility.

"It will be a big night against France. Whatever people say about the likes of Zinedine Zidane retiring, it can't be a bad team with Thierry Henry, Robert Pires and Mikael Silvestre in it."

For Spurs forward Keane, there is no one finer than Henry.

"When he first came to England a lot of people were giving him stick, but he's certainly shut a few people up since," said Keane. "He has done absolutely brilliantly and you can only admire what he has done. He is a fantastic player. For a striker, he is just a pleasure to watch.

"As a striker myself I look at the way others play but Henry is one I would pay money to watch because he is so exciting, what with his pace and his finishing, which is second to none."

Keane, though, experienced more as a teenager than many players do in a career. He made his international debut at 17 and was involved in three big-money moves before he was 21: from Coventry to Wolves, then to Inter Milan and finally Leeds United.

The nomadic existence has stopped at Spurs, where his vision and nimble footwork follows in the Tottenham tradition.

After taking four points in their opening two qualifiers against Cyprus and Switzerland, any kind of result in Paris will make Ireland favourites to win their group and qualify automatically for the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

The French have already been held at home by Israel and their 2-0 win in the Faroes was marred by the dismissal of Patrick Vieira, who will miss tomorrow's game when Ireland will be cheered on by 30,000 fans.

Keane knows if Ireland are pressed back his role will become increasingly important as a link man between midfield and attack. Ironically, it's a role he has grown familiar with under Santini.

"I have played a deeper-lying role at Spurs this season so it won't be a shock to play like that in France," he said.

"Having said that, we won't go out in the Stade de France with the attitude of holding out for a draw. That will only invite pressure. They have great players but so do we. Damien Duff was disappointed not to be involved at Chelsea at the beginning of the season but he's been really sharp for them in the last three games and that is a boost to us."

Keane won't be the only Spurs link in the Ireland camp. Chris Hughton is a vital member of the back-room coaching team for both Santini and Ireland manager Brian Kerr.

Keane and Duff were rated as one of the best strike partnerships at the last World Cup, although the Chelsea man may operate on the left to give another chance up front to Clinton Morrison.

Roy Keane's return to the fold after his infamous walk-out in 2002 was made on the understanding that never again would Ireland revel in the role of plucky underdogs.

This Irish side believe they can compete with anyone, even giants of the world game such as 1998 World Cup and 2000 European Championship winners France.

"We are going there with a lot of confidence," said Keane.

"They are a good side but so are we. We've beaten Cyprus and drawn away to Switzerland. There is a buzz about our prospects and so there should be."

Are you watching, Santini?