A ‘behind the scenes’ video of Robbie Keane at the Irish Oscar’s has gone viral.
The former Celtic and Spurs striker was last night voted as Ireland’s Player of the Year for 2013 but was unable to collect the offer due to LA Galaxy business.
Distance was no object however with a video clip produced of the presentation with Keane wearing an ill-fitting shirt and tie collecting his award from Galaxy boss Bruce Arena.
Both men appeared very sincere as they exchanged the trophy and gave their thanks to the organisers in Dublin for the award.
After the formalities the camera kept on running to reveal Keane in his shorts with a kids toy in toe as he was informed by Arena that he had the day off to go to the beach.
Tweeting about the clip Keane’s wife Claudine said: “Congrats to Rob for winning @FAIreland Senior Player of the year. I don’t know if the shorts and suit mix is going to catch on though, haha.”
Later she added: ““@FAIreland: @LAGalaxy @ClaudineKeane1 thanks for helping with video guys! #3FAIAwards” it was very funny.. Cx”
Keane’s absence from the squad to face Serbia tomorrow night opens the door for Anthony Stokes to put down a marker for the 2016 European Championship campaign.
The Celtic striker is desperate to make an impact at international level with Martin O’Neill looking for his other strikers to step up and take some of the scoring burden from Keane.
“The records are not that fantastic,” the new Ireland boss said as he looked at the international records of his strikers. “Robbie, every day that goes on, he gets a bit older but he is still capable of getting a goal out of the blue. But I think also Shane Long will have gained some confidence, one from the move, and two he’s been doing fine. But I take your point, it’s up to all centre forwards here to make their mark from here on in.”
Former Hamilton Accies midfielder James McCarthy was fully clothed when he collected the Young Player of the Year award.