Keane lauds Irish spirit

Ireland’s record goalscorer, Robbie Keane, has suggested that the atmosphere within the camp under Giovanni Trapattoni is unrivalled.

The LA Galaxy forward says that he is very impressed by attitude that has been fostered under the Italian’s tenure, and expects it to help Ireland succeed at Euro 2012.

“It certainly does feel different this time,” Keane told the Irish Independent. “There has always been a great team spirit in the Irish camp, but for some reason this has been a little bit different.

“It’s the group of players, how well they get on with each other, it’s been brilliant. There have been no little niggles which you usually get in tournaments like this when you’re together for a long time.

“I mentioned before the Estonia game, that relaxed feeling we had before that game and it is very, very similar to now, to be honest.”

The Dubliner is fit and ready to get started at the tournament and he took the opportunity to praise the preparation of the Football Association of Ireland.

“I feel fine,” he said. “The last couple of weeks have been very good. We had the week in Malahide getting lads back together.

“Through that first week doing all the stuff we had to do outside of football, it’s been good that this week’s been fully concentrated on training.

“The lads are fit and sharp and on the training ground every day and I have seen that the sharpness of every player has been very good. This week now is where it starts.”

Ireland begin their Euro 2012 campaign against Croatia on Sunday.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/keane-lauds-irish-spirit/95852/

Donovan reiterates Toffees desire World Soccer Shop

American star Landon Donovan has reiterated his desire to return to Everton.

Donovan: Would welcome move back to Everton

The Los Angeles Galaxy forward has enjoyed two memorable spells on loan at Goodison Park.

Donovan has never hidden his love for the Toffees and he has again stressed he would welcome the chance to link-up with Everton once more.

"I would absolutely like to come back. There's no question about that," he told Fifa's website.

"And I know I will be back at some point. Now, whether I'm back as a player or just as a fan, who knows?

"Right now, my focus is obviously on this season and qualifying for the World Cup. It's a big, really important year, and then we'll see what happens.

"I've always said the same thing: I'll see how my body feels, I'll see how I feel mentally, I'll see where the Galaxy are at and what they're okay or not okay with and then we'll make a decision.

"Obviously a big part of it too is whether David Moyes wants me. There is a lot of factors that go into it. I don't see it as a foregone conclusion that 1: I'll be physically okay to go, 2: the Galaxy would let me go, and 3: that Everton would want me. You have to make sure all of those aligned and if it all works out, then it works out and if not, then it doesn't.

"I miss the people. I miss the people a lot. I miss driving to Goodison Park. I miss just the positive energy of the fans walking into the stadium and how much they care about that club and the team.

"And I miss the players a lot. The players are really what made it easiest for me when I first went.

"I'll be forever indebted because with a lot of teams' guys there would be jealousy, they wouldn't be welcoming, and they would do everything they can to not allow you to get on the field in that couple of months.

"And, it was the opposite when I first got there (Everton) and I will always remember that."

Whilst Donovan had an excellent short-term spell, his fellow countryman Clint Dempsey had a landmark campaign with Fulham.

Donovan has hailed Dempsey's efforts, saying: "To be honest, it's almost hard to believe watching it because what's happened is he has become a player that anybody around the world, any nationality, would say 'wow, what an incredible year'.

"And for us as Americans that doesn't happen. You know, we don't have guys in the Premier League that pull off seasons like that.

"So, if he was just Robin van Persie, or Wayne Rooney, or Gareth Bale, or anyone else you'd be in awe of him and you'd say 'what an amazing year'.

"And now he's a guy that we've all had the pleasure of playing with, training with, being around and you see him do it and really it's almost surreal. There's no doubt this is the best season any American has ever put together in football."

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/16907/donovan_reiterates_toffees_desire