Robbie Keane: Irish scoring legend has already experienced Euro success as a teenager

Robbie Keane is hoping for a repeat of the result from the last time he faced Croatia goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa in the Republic of Ireland's Euro 2012 opener.

Keane will be at the apex of Ireland's attack when they face Slaven Bilic's side in their Group C opener on Sunday.

However, the Republic's record goalscorer has already had success against Pletikosa when, during the European Under 18 Championship in 1998, Ireland beat Croatia 5-2 on their way to claiming the title.

The former Tottenham and Liverpool striker still has fond memories of that game and would welcome a repeat of that result.

Penalties

"Hopefully that's the case," he said.

"At the Under 18s, people didn't think we had a chance playing against one of the best nations and favourites England.

"They beat us 1-0, but we managed to crack on and beat Germany in the final on penalties, so I certainly hope that is the case this time."

As fate would have it, Pletikosa would later spend a year of his career at Tottenham alongside his old adversary, but is confident of a different outcome on this occasion.

"I remember well this match. We lost against them in the first match of the Under 18s and I think Robbie Keane scored two or three goals," he said.

Unpredictable

"When I went to Tottenham, I was talking about that tournament. We will do everything we can to make sure that won't be repeated this time.

"Robbie is a really great player, he has great statistics in the Premier League and I can say in the year we spent together at Tottenham, I learnt a lot about him, so I know him very well.

"His best skill is that he is just unpredictable and he can surprise you at any moment with his reactions.

"But I am sure I and my team-mates will do everything we can to stop him."