Martin O'Neill: 'Robbie Keane among Republic of Ireland's greatest'

Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill has paid tribute to Robbie Keane after the striker announced his retirement from international football.

The coach described the Los Angeles Galaxy forward as one of the country's greatest players and said that his goalscoring record is unlikely to ever be topped.

"[Keane is] undoubtedly one of Ireland's finest ever players," O'Neill told reporters. "I do not see his international goal record being beaten for a very long time, if ever.

"It will take us some time to get over his absence."

Keane, who has netted 67 times for Ireland, will make his final international appearance in a friendly against Oman next week.