Keane gets a warm Galaxy welcome

ROBBIE KEANE has been enthusiastically welcomed by his new LA Galaxy team-mates after his move to the MLS was confirmed on Monday.

Keane will become on of the Galaxy’s three “designated players” this week and could debut for his new side against the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday if he gets visa clearance in time.

Galaxy captain Landon Donovan, the club’s top scorer with 11 this season, believes the Republic of Ireland skipper is a good fit.

“I have always respected Robbie from afar mainly because he is just a guy who is honest and works hard,” said the former US captain. “His goal-scoring record speaks for itself and he is the type of player who will succeed in this league.

“He is a humble player who works very hard and he is going to put himself in really good spots to score goals.”

Midfielder Dan Keat added: “Robbie is a player of real quality and the young players like myself will learn a lot from him.”

Manager Bruce Arena expects Keane’s versatility is what he has been looking for. “He’s not only a goalscorer but he’s a good worker off the ball. He’s clever in and around the penalty area, which is something I think we’ve been missing.

“So I think he’ll bring those qualities and hopefully make us a better team in the attacking end of the field.”

Whilst lamenting Galaxy’s spending power, former Liverpool defender and New England Revolution manager Steve Nicol welcomed Keane to the league.

“It is fantastic for the league that Robbie is coming to play as the league will be enhanced with better players,” he added.

“As a manager of another team in the league, it is great for LA Galaxy. The rich get richer and the strong get stronger.”