Hartson Predicts Success for Keane at Celtic

4 Feb 2010

Former Celtic star John Hartson has given his backing to Robbie Keane following the Irish strikers recent transfer. Hartson, a former Celtic veteran, spent five years at the Glasgow-based club in which time he scored 119 goals.

"Robbie's scored more than 100 goals for Spurs, he's the record scorer for the Republic of Ireland and he's a fantastic player," Hartson told BBC Scotland.

Hartson then added: "We know what he's capable of. I'm a massive fan of his and I'm sure he'll score bags of goals for Celtic, especially playing with Kamara up front, who's going to be a good strike partner for him."

Keane's arrival was met by thousands of Celtic fans, who braved the cold and rainy conditions to give the 29 year old striker a hero's welcome.

Robbie is not the first Keane to arrive at Celtic Park to the acclaim of fans, as December 2005 saw Roy Keane end his almost 13-year Manchester United career, hanging up his red shirt to move North and don the infamous Hoops.

Robbie will be hoping to fare better than his Republic of Ireland namesake, who was forced to retire from the game without making much of an impact at Celtic following a persistent hip injury.

Keane's name would have undoubtedly been the first on many fans lips as the man to revitalise their league title challenge and the recent transfer window was flooded with speculation of the Irishman's movements.

Celtic join such big names as Inter Milan and Liverpool in the list of clubs who have paid to secure Keane's services in the past and will be hoping he can add to his prolific scoring record while with them.

After failing to open his goal scoring account with Celtic in his debut match against Kilmarnock, all eyes will be firmly focused on Keane during Celtic's next fixture against Dunfermline in a match where William Hill and extrabet offer 7/14 odds that Keane will be first on the score sheet.

All odds correct at time of writing and are subject to change