Robbie Keane has said that he has no intention of following Michael Owen's lead and announcing his retirement.
Owen revealed his decision earlier today but Keane, who is captain and record all-time goalscorer of the Republic of Ireland, said that it would be a "good few years" before he followed suit.
"I have seen Michael Owen retiring from football. We came on the scene around the same time," Keane, 32, said.
"I dread the day I have to finish playing because it's my life, this is what I love doing. I wake up every morning and look forward to going to training and playing games.
"As long as I am healthy and fit, I can easily carry on for another four or five years, easily."
Keane, who currently plays for Los Angeles Galaxy in the US, is preparing for a World Cup qualifying double-header against Sweden and Austria over the next week.
If he plays in both games he will move within one of Shay Given's international appearance record of 125.
Pascal Lemesre
