manager's praise for keane's contribution

David Friel
TONY MOWBRAY hailed Robbie Keane for an inspired second-half showing as Celtic beat Dunfermline 4-2 to reach the last eight of the Active Nation Scottish Cup.

The Irish striker was rested for the first half but produced a top-class display when he came off the bench to score his first Celtic goal from the spot. The Hoops' other goals came from Diomansy Kamara, Morten Rasmussen and a Callum Woods pwn goal.

Keane, on for Marc Crosas, could have easily had a hat-trick as he lit up East End Park, but his manager hopes he has kept some of his goals back for Wednesday night's SPL game against Hearts.

He said: “There were some moments of magic from Robbie when he sat players on their backside in the box, in tight areas – and he can take a penalty as we saw. Wednesday will be a hard game but hopefully the extra expectation and tension lifts the group.

“Robbie is a very humble guy who doesn't carry a superstar ego around with him. He just wants to train and play and pass his advice on. He is a good guy to have around, he loves football. He will have many chances to play at Celtic Park and I hope this will be the first of many successful games for him.

“I spoke to Robbie during the week about my plans for the Dunfermline game. Three 90 minutes in seven days for the boy is probably asking for trouble injury-wise and I think he agreed.

“He played 45 minutes and we decided it was best to play the second half instead of the first. It is a loan deal but Robbie is here because I like quality, technical footballers, and he fits that category.

“Robbie adds that finesse in the final third that sometimes makes that difference in games. I hope he is fired up for Wednesday and that's why he played 45 minutes on Sunday. He was always going to be playing 90 minutes on Wednesday or starting the game.

"Hopefully our supporters will come out in numbers to back the team and see Robbie perform.”

Tickets for the match against Hearts at Celtic Park on Wednesday, February 10 (kick-off 7.45pm) are now on sale and tickets are priced £28/£25RV for adults and £16/£13RV for concessions.

Tickets are available online, by calling 0871 226 1888* or by visiting the Celtic Ticket Office. Tickets are also available in the following Celtic retail outlets: Sauchiehall Street, Argyle Street, Clydebank, Coatbridge, East Kilbride.

* Calls cost up to 10p per minute, telecoms provider dependent. Mobile and other provider charges may vary.