Sports: McLeish keen for Robbie to shine at Villa

McLeish: We're keen for Robbie to make a Henry-style impact at Villa

By Paul Brown

Alex McLeish has been thrilled to see Robbie Keane looking immensely sharp in training - as he hopes for a Thierry Henry-esque impact from the forward at Villa.

McLeish says the Keane deal is close to being completed, with "i's to be dotted and t's to be crossed."

LA Galaxy have given Keane permission to train with Villa as the short-term contract gets finalised.

McLeish has been impressed with what he's seen of the 31-year-old striker on the fields of Bodymoor Heath.

And after seeing another loanee, Henry, doing the business for Arsenal this week, McLeish has backed Keane to impress during his temporary stay.

He told AVTV: "I'd like to say it was all done and dusted but we do have some i's to be dotted and some t's to be crossed.

"Such is the red tape and the toing and froing between the clubs, insurances, there's a whole load of things. It's not just quite as simple as signing on one dotted line, there's several to be done.

"But he's been training. Watching him this morning, he's effervescent, he always wants to be involved in build-ups and he's a clever player.

"He's full of the one-twos, give and goes and he's got a good football brain. I am sure he will be a good asset, albeit for a short space of time.

"He was very bright in training. It was good to see him at close-quarters and he looked very sharp.

"I know in training the pitches are smaller, dimensions-wise and players can often look fantastic in five-a-side games and it can be different when the real business comes.

"But we know with Robbie, this is not a new kid on the block, this is a guy who has been around a long time. He is very sharp upstairs."

Henry has joined Arsenal from New York Red Bulls in a move similar to the one Villa are looking to finalise with Keane.

The Gunners great came on as a late substitute and scored the winning goal in the FA Cup third round clash with Leeds.

It was some impact - and McLeish admits he'd love Keane to follow suit.

He added: "It was one of the great moments on television. It was a typical Thierry Henry finish.

"I was thinking about Robbie when I saw the great drama. It was a fantastic moment.

"Regardless of who you support it was great to see it. It was tremendous.

"That's exactly what I was thinking. If Robbie could come and give us that sort of inspiration, it would be great."