Robbie Keane has plenty to offer Aston Villa, says Alex McLeish

Alex McLeish believes Robbie Keane has plenty to offer Aston Villa with the Republic of Ireland international expected to join on a two-month loan deal from LA Galaxy on Monday.

The 31-year-old Ireland captain sealed a move to Major Soccer League in the summer after quitting Tottenham – and McLeish is confident Keane’s experience will be a vital asset at Villa Park over the coming months.

“I think it will give everyone a lift,” said McLeish. “You are now talking about a guy who is at his peak. I know he’s been linked with Villa for years but at 19 there is a lot you don’t know. At 31, you certainly know a lot more.

“He can make it if up if he is not as quick physically by what he has in his head. He loves to play football, he’s got leadership qualities as well that can help in the dressing room too, and he can score a goal.

“He’s got great movement and he can hurt defenders, he’s a very very experienced player.

“We’ve had dialogue with Spurs and the report back we are getting is that he looks in much better condition than he did this time last year when he went to West Ham. What we are hearing is that he is in tip-top shape.”

The 52-year-old Villa manager believes Keane will be motivated to do well at Villa Park, with the striker looking to stay sharp ahead of Ireland’s participation at next summer’s Euro 2012.

“The Ireland boys have a tournament to look forward to,” McLeish added. “Robbie wants to be at his peak for that.

“We’ve been speaking. He feels that’s the right way to go forward. He feels he wants to keep right on top of his sharpness. So if he has that kind of motivation, it can only be good for us.”