Republic of Ireland boss Martin O'Neill has claimed that it will take time for the nation to "get over" Robbie Keane's decision to retire from international football.
The Los Angeles Galaxy striker announced today that his 146th and final appearance for his country will be next Wednesday in the form of a friendly against Oman at the Aviva Stadium.
Keane will end his international career as the Republic of Ireland's record scorer with 67 goals, which he may add to in Dublin next week.
"Robbie's appearances and goals for Ireland speak for themselves," O'Neill said in a statement. "He is undoubtedly one of Ireland's finest every players and 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."
FAI chief executive John Delaney added: "Robbie has been one of the greatest Irish sports figures of all time and a truly great Irish man. His goalscoring record of 67 goals from 145 games for Ireland is something that may never be beaten and I want to thank him for his contribution to the game, for his stunning performances, and for great leadership on and off the pitch.
"There are few footballers in the world who have showed such enthusiasm to play for their country as Robbie Keane. And even in the more recent years of his career he has been as enthusiastic to come and represent Ireland as when he was a teenager making his mark on the international game.
"I would like to wish Robbie and Claudine, and their children Robert and Hudson, the very best for the future, and they will always be very welcome back to the Aviva Stadium anytime."
Keane, who has been playing in the United States since 2011, made his international debut in 1998.
Danielle Joynson
