ROBBIE ON THE HOME STRAIGHT

Robbie Keane is thrilled to be entering the final quarter of the season with everything to play for when it comes to our Premiership finishing position.

Robbie Keane is thrilled to be entering the final quarter of the season with everything to play for when it comes to our Premiership finishing position.

Since Robbie joined the Club in August 2002 the team have not really punched their weight in the league and have recorded finishes of 10th, 14th and 9th. We currently sit fourth and the striker says the pressure that accompanies the desire for a strong conclusion to the season is one he thrives on.

"Obviously it is great, I have been fortunate enough before to have been in the situation with Leeds when we were challenging for the same thing. It is good now, having been at Tottenham for a few years, to be challenging for things.

"WITH THE SQUAD THAT WE HAVE WE SHOULD BE, WE'VE GOT A GREAT GROUP WITH GREAT YOUNG PLAYERS AND A FEW EXPERIENCED ONES. IT IS A GOOD BALANCE.

"It is good for the players - and I really enjoy it - to be going for things because, as a footballer, you want to be playing at the highest level."

The scorer of our goal against Sunderland last time out, when asked if he is daring to dream yet, reasoned that the time to consider our agenda for next season is still over a couple of months away.

"You don't think about it too much, you have to take each game as it comes. Of course all the lads are desperate to get into Europe - who wouldn't be?

"It is something we are not getting too carried away with, we are enjoying the season. It is okay being in fourth now but it only matters when you get to May."

Of course, our prospects of a top four or five finish will only be assisted by a contribution of goals and commanding performances from central areas. Robbie suspects Jermaine Jenas is more than up to the challenge given his recent fine displays.

"JJ is a fantastic player and we knew that before he came here. His energy levels are frightening, the running he does is incredible on and off the ball. People don't tend to see what he does off the ball for the team and he does that really, really well.

"His goal on against Charlton typifies Jermaine, that is him, running onto things and that is how he gets a lot of his goals."