Keane backs Republic of Ireland to "make an impact" at Euro 2012

Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane has insisted that his nation will not be heading to Euro 2012 simply to make up the numbers.

The Greens qualified for the tournament following after recording a draw with Estonia yesterday evening.

Giovanni Trapattoni's side have been named as bottom seeds for the event, but Keane believes that they will "make an impact" in the Ukraine and Poland.

"If you look at the history of Irish teams in tournaments, they have always been a hard team to beat," he told reporters.

"They always upset a few people, and I am sure we can go over there and certainly make an impact."

Keane is the ROI's leading goalscorer.