Robbie Keane: Looking forward to playing at a major tournament after a long wait

Robbie Keane cannot wait for this summer's European Championship after spending a decade being forced to sit out the major tournaments.

Along with his countrymen, the Republic of Ireland skipper will play on the big stage for the first time since the 2002 World Cup finals.

And the LA Galaxy forward admits his adventure in Japan and South Korea left the then 21-year-old thinking he would enjoy many similar experiences over the course of his career.

Instead he will lead Ireland out for their opening Group C fixture against Croatia in Poznan on June 10th, having spent the intervening years bemoaning ill-fortune and a series of missed opportunities.

Keane said: "When you are 21 years of age, you think you have got 20 years left in you.

"But now you are coming towards the end and you are not too sure how many tournaments you have left in you."

Keane might, of course, have ended his exile two years ago, but for the hugely controversial French equaliser in the qualification play-off second leg in Paris.

Thierry Henry's blatant handball was overlooked, shattering the Republic's hopes of going to South Africa and leaving Keane to watch the tournament on television.

Hard to watch

Asked how it had been, he said: "A pain in the a***, to be honest with you. It's even hard to watch, especially the last World Cup, when we were that close.

"This is what you play football for. This is why we are here. Playing the friendly games is great and playing for your country is the best experience you can have.

"But this is why you play football, to play in these big competitions.

"I have been fortunate to play in a World Cup, which was one of the best experiences of my life, but I haven't played in a European Championship yet.

"Every time you watch one on the TV, you are just desperate to be there."

The experience only strengthened Keane's resolve to ensure the Republic would be involved this time around.

As skipper, he led by example in qualification for Euro 2012 - often playing through the pain barrier to deliver seven goals for his country.

Record

In the process, he took his international tally of goals to 50, becoming the first British or Irish player to do so.

Keane said at the time: "When I first came into the Ireland squad, Niall Quinn said to me I would get 50 goals, so it's probably down to him!"

It was always a possibility having made his international debut as a teenager, but along with the likes of Shay Given, Richard Dunne and Damien Duff, he is now one of the old guard.

Keane added: "We have been playing since we were 17, 18 years of age. Ten years ago, we were the young lads coming through and Niall Quinn and Steve Staunton were sitting down at the back of the bus.

"Now it's me, Shay, Richie and Duffer sitting at the back of the bus, so I am sure all the young lads are saying, 'Look at all those old fellas back there'."

Although the Republic face a daunting challenge at the Euros, taking on champions Spain and fellow heavyweights Italy in the group stage, Keane remains confident of causing a shock.

Keane said: "If you look at the history of Irish teams in tournaments, they have always been a hard team to beat.

"They always upset a few people, and I am sure we can go over there and certainly make an impact."