Ireland striker happy to fight for Tottenham place Keane ready to lead Republics line against ArmeniaRobbie Keane has expressed his relief at the closure of the transfer window and the striker is now determined to fight his way back to prominence at Tottenham Hotspur and, more immediately, inspire the Republic of Ireland to a winning start in Euro 2012 qualification against Armenia.It has been an unsettling start to the season for Keane, after he was offered to other clubs including West Ham United, Everton, Newcastle United and Aston Villa, often as the makeweight in proposed deals. HThere was the feeling that if he had not been earning as much as 68,000 a week, he might have been sold.The past 10 days have brought more disappointment. Harry Redknapp preferred Jermain Defoe to him last Wednesday, in the Champions League play-off second leg against Young Boys of Berne, even though the manager had said Defoe needed a groin operation, was not fully fit and could last no longer than an hour. Last Saturday Keane remained on the bench in the shock home defeat by Wigan Athletic and Redknapp introduced Giovani dos Santos ahead of him. Keane has made two substitutes appearances so far for Tottenham, totalling 46 minutes.The contrast to his international status is stark. Keane won his 100th cap last month against Argentina, becoming only the fourth Irishman to the landmark, and his 43 goals are a record by some distance. Niall Quinn is second on the all-time Ireland scoring chart with 21. Keane thrives on being the main man in Giovanni Trapattonis squad, the leader and creative inspiration. When he pulls on his countrys jersey at the Hanrapetakan Stadium, he will feel pride but also a sense of release."I think all the clubs are probably glad that the transfer window has closed and now everyone will concentrate on playing football," said Keane, who has maintained that he was "not going anywhere" over the summer. "At least there wont be any more speculation for a few months. Obviously every player wants to play in every game and I am certainly looking forward to the Armenia match and next Tuesdays tie against Andorra in Dublin."As ever, Trapattoni is prioritising the result over the performance. He pointed out that Brazil and Argentina, two very attacking teams, came unstuck with their approach at the World Cup finals and, therefore, it was vital to maintain the balance between attack and defence. It did not escape Trapattonis notice that Spain, despite their pleasing passing style, emerged triumphant with four 1-0 wins at the knockout stage. "Id take a 1-0 win against Armenia, even if I had to suffer," he said.Ireland have been placed in Group B with Russia and Slovakia but Trapattoni was bullish. "In my heart, I think maybe we can finish first," he said.Armenia (4-2-3-1, probable) Berezovski; Hovsepyan, Arzumanyan, Mkoyan, Artak Edigaryan; Artur Edigaryan, Kkrtchyan; Pachajyan, Mkhitaryan, Malakyan; Movsisyan.Republic of Ireland (4-4-2, probable) Given; OShea, Dunne, St Ledger, Kilbane; Lawrence, Whelan, Green, McGeady; Keane, Doyle.Referee Zsolt Szabo (Hungary).Republic of IrelandArmeniaEuro 2012David Hytner guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds