Robbie Keane returned to Celtic Park last night- the scene of one of the strangest chapters in his colourful career.
There was to be no trophies or medals- only a change of manager- but despite the sideshows Ireland’s greatest ever internationalist insisted that he had no regrets about the spring of 2010.
Around 5,000 supporters turned up late one Monday night to witness one of the longest rumoured transfers as Celtic and Keane finally linked up.
Twenty-four hours later Celtic were losing 1-0 at Kilmarnock as another nail was hammered into Tony Mowbray’s disastrous regime with a 4-0 defeat at St Mirren ending the former defender’s time at Celtic Park.
On a happier note Keane helped Celtic to a 2-1 win over Rangers (IL) in his last appearance at Celtic Park- a win that helped Neil Lennon secure the manager’s job on a permanent basis.
“Scoring goals when you are a striker, no matter where you are, you get that exciting feeling,” Ireland’s captain said. “But certainly, growing up and watching Celtic and having the privilege to play here, and managing to score a few goals while I was here was extra special. So of course it would be nice if that was the case (scoring again at Celtic Park).
“It would certainly be up there with my best moments. It’s very hard to predict that now but if that were the case then I’d obviously be delighted.
“Honestly, the whole experience of being a player here was fantastic. Coming from London and coming to Celtic Park late at night to find 5,000 people there waiting for me was one of the best feelings you can ever get as a player.
“Just walking out on to Celtic Park and putting on that green and white jersey, well, from start to finish the experience for me was great. I enjoyed every minute of it.”
Keane will be joined by former Celtic team-mate Aiden McGeady in Martin O’Neill’s side.
