Hoddle praise for Keane

Last updated : 06 April 2003 By FootyMAD
Birmingham keeper Andy Marriott dropped the ball at his feet to kick clear but failed to see Robbie Keane behind him, he nipped in and stroked the ball into an empty net to give Spurs a sixth minute lead against the Premiership strugglers.

"Robbie's goal was possibly the cheekiest you'll ever see, the sort of thing Jimmy Greaves would have done.

"It's been a very difficult week for Robbie so I'm sure he'll remember that goal for a long time and keep the memory of it for his dad.

"Football can be a release from something like that and what he's done for the Republic of Ireland and us this week shows what a strong character he is.

"It was a unique goal. You've got to feel for their keeper but it was a bit of good thinking by Robbie.

"He's tried it a few times. He persisted and it came off - I'm delighted for him."

BIRMINGHAM MATCH REPORT