Robbie Keane optimistic about Republic of Ireland future

Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane has expressed his belief that his side have a bright future.

Ireland have lost just one of their last eight games in all competitions and have a young squad, with the likes of James McCarthy, Seamus Coleman and Jeff Hendrick beginning to establish themselves as first-team players.

Keane admits that he wasn't so optimistic about the future of the side a couple of years ago, but he is happy with the way the youngsters have progressed and now believes that the future is bright for Ireland.

"I do sense [a good future] now. I'll be totally honest with you, a year or two years ago, I didn't. That's being totally honest with you," said Keane.

"But now seeing the players in the last two weeks, the younger lads, the way they have stepped up to plate in training, they have been absolutely magnificent, so it's certainly looking good now."

Keane recently became his country's highest ever appearance maker, winning his 126th cap against the Faroe Islands on Friday.