Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni is convinced Liverpool will get the best out of Robbie Keane.

"At my first press conference in Dublin, I said immediately I knew Robbie was young when he was at Inter and after few years he has grown up and up," said Trapattoni.

"He is a very important player for us. I normally don't like playing the violin in front of my players and paying them compliments but I saw him play without the ball. Before it comes he decides in his head what he is going to do and he advises colleagues. That is important and may be in the press tribune it is difficult to see that.

"Robbie will be very important for me and for the team because he mixes between the seniors and younger ones. It is perfect.

"Kevin Doyle and Fernando Torres are different. We played against Torres when he was younger and even then he was a great striker.

"With Ireland I have seen Doyle with Robbie and I think this is a good mix because one is like Torres. Robbie for me is the passer who can play without the ball. The other goes for goal and I am sure that is what my colleague the Liverpool manager has seen for his team. I have seen it for mine."