LA Galaxy striker Robbie Keane is eagerly anticipating this week's Euro2012 qualifiers.
The former Tottenham man jets out to Dublin to link up with the Republic of Ireland national team for their two-legged qualifier against Estonia which begins in Tallinn on Friday and winds up in Ireland on Tuesday November 15.
After helping the Galaxy progress to the MLS Cup final (where they will met Houston Dynamo on November 20) by scoring a goal in the 3-1 win over Real Salt Lake on Sunday, Keane said he was looking forward to guiding his nation to a major tournament.
"We haven't qualified for the European Championships for the last 20 years or so. It's going to be a big occasion," he said.
"Seeing everyone back home, I know everyone's looking forward to it.
"Of course I'm just happy to be back fit and I look forward to the games."
And Keane said he was very grateful to the Galaxy medical team for helping him back from an adductor injury which threatened to sideline him for up to six weeks.
"When it first happened they said four to six weeks and that really would have put me out," Keane said.
"I'm very happy. Full credit to (head athletic trainer) Armando (Rivas) and all the physios who worked really hard to get me fit.
"It's always nice to get back early, and I managed to do that."
