World Cup

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World Cup | Qualifiers

Jun 7, 2013 at 7.45pm UK

Rep. Ireland Republic of Ireland
3-0
Faroe Islands

Robbie Keane: 'Three points more important than caps record'

By Liam Power, Reporter

Published: June 7 2013 | 23:10

Last updated: June 8 2013 | 11:51

Republic of Ireland striker Robbie Keane insists that three points toward World Cup qualification matter most, on a night where the forward capped his 126th record-breaking cap by scoring a hat-trick.

Robbie Keane has declared that securing three points for the Republic of Ireland tonight was far more important than any individual accolades.

Keane struck a hat-trick to help his side triumph 3-0 over the Faroe Islands, keeping their World Cup qualifying hopes very much alive.

On a special night which saw him become Ireland's all-time record cap holder the forward played down his achievements, insisting that a positive result for Giovanni Trapattoni's side was all that mattered.

He told Sky Sports News: "There was a lot of talk about the record, but that was very much in the back of my mind.

"It was about playing the game in the right manner and getting the result for the team, but it was obviously a special occasion for my family.

"I'm glad it's all over to be honest. There was a lot of fuss before the game, but the most important thing was the football and we got the three points so everybody's happy."

In a 15-year international career, Keane has now scored 59 goals in 126 appearances for Ireland.