Celtic move fulfils Robbie Keane's boyhood dream

Loan move: Robbie Keane has fallen behind Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch in the Tottenham pecking order
11 April 2012

Spurs striker Robbie Keane admitted he was fulfilling a long-standing ambition by moving to Celtic for the remainder of the season.

Just 12 months after ending a very brief and unhappy spell at Liverpool by returning to White Hart Lane, the Republic of Ireland international has now joined the club he supported as a boy.

Having fallen behind Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch in the pecking order, the recent arrival of former Chelsea and Barcelona striker Eidur Gudjohnsen at White Hart Lane only increased pressure for places.

"It's absolutely unbelievable," said the Irishman, whose cumulative transfer fees total more than £70million after previous big-money moves to Inter Milan, Leeds and Liverpool.

He was given a rapturous reception by the Glasgow club's fans upon his midnight arrival, and said: "This is the reason why I've always wanted to come to Celtic.

"It's no secret over the years I've been a Celtic fan.

"I'm hoping to bring a lot of success in the short time I'm here."

Keane said he is also looking forward to playing in an Old Firm derby.

"The Rangers-Celtic game is obviously massive," he said.

"I've been lucky enough to be at the game a couple of years ago. The atmosphere was absolutely unbelievable. It's a game I'm really looking forward to."

Spurs manager Harry Redknapp, who also allowed defenders Alan Hutton and Kyle Naughton to go on loan to Sunderland and Middlesbrough respectively, insists Keane will return to London in the summer.

"It has been difficult for Robbie because he has not been starting regularly and he is not a happy lad when he is not," he said.

"But he has definitely not played his last game for Tottenham."

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