The Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy has warned Robbie Keane to get in shape for this summer's World Cup.
The Ireland boss is concerned that Keane will suffer in the heat and humidity of the Far East.
McCarthy had said that he felt that Keane looked sharp before Ireland's 2-0 friendly win over Russia at Lansdowne Road on Wednesday. But after seeing Keane in action, he was reluctant in giving an updated outlook on the striker's prowess.
Although Keane is almost guaranteed a place in the squad for the tournament, McCarthy is concerned about the fitness of Leeds striker, something not helped by spending most of his time on the substitutes' bench with Robbie Fowler and Mark Viduka as the preferred Elland Road strike pairing.
More than two months have passed since Keane started a Barclaycard Premiership match for Leeds and his cause was not helped by an ankle ligament operation just before Christmas which sidelined him for five matches.
McCarthy helped Keane by putting him straight into the starting line-up against Russia and the forward responded well with the second goal of the game.
McCarthy's concerns arose when Keane became visibly tired as the game progressed before he had to be replaced by Millwall's striker Richard Sadlier in the 73rd minute. Keane's performance was overshadowed by the brilliance of his strike partner, Blackburn's Damien Duff.
The Republic boss is concerned that Keane will not fare well in the energy-sapping humidity of the summer climate in Japan and Korea.
"Bear in mind he's only just come back from an ankle operation, and he's not had a lot of first-team football, but I still think Robbie can be fitter and sharper," said McCarthy.
"As I've already stated, Robbie is one of those players with his name etched on one of the seats going to Japan because of his previous performances.
"But this World Cup is going to be hard. It's going to be hot and it's going to be humid and I think players need to be playing first-team football and to be fit when we're down there, so I would still like to see him fitter."
The manager said that Keane's stunning ability was never in doubt but the manager has little doubt that Keane can benefit himself and his teammates by working on his fitness.
"Overall I was very satisfied with Robbie and his goal will have done him the world of good.
"I am sure Dave [O'Leary, Leeds manager] will be delighted he has scored and got another game under his belt because he will be wanting him back playing and scoring goals.
"But I was extremely satisfied with their partnership. I think the two of them are terrific up front because their movement and ability on the ball causes huge problems for defenders.
"I can't say they'll be my first choice pairing because it might take the pressure off them, but the way they have played, it's as plain as the nose on my face it will be hard to change that partnership. I just think they give us something different."
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