Roy Keane - sent home before the tournament.

By Neil Silver, PA Sport, Chiba

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Ian Harte believes the Republic of Ireland's performances so far in these World Cup finals have proved that they can manage without Roy Keane.

More than two weeks after the Manchester United and Ireland midfielder was sent home in disgrace from the Republic camp, Keane is still alluded to by other players in the press conferences.

As Leeds defender Harte looked back on the 1-1 draws against Cameroon and Germany, and looked ahead to Tuesday's final Group E clash against Saudi Arabia, he spoke of the bonding among the squad in the absence of their influential former captain.

"As a team we've proved something to people who said we weren't going to do well with Roy Keane missing," said Harte.

"We have gone out on the big stage and once we have crossed the white line we have proved to people that we are a quality international side.

"We have all grown as a squad in every game and we are getting to know how each other plays. It is important we bond as a team and I think we have done that on the big stage."

Harte was backed by Charlton goalkeeper Dean Kiely, who added: "What we've done in Roy's absence might surprise a few people outside the squad but not us.

"Whenever Roy plays in the team it's been a fantastic experience for me. But now that he's not here it has still been a fantastic experience.

"That we now find ourselves in this position proves that Ireland and the squad of players is the bigger picture. I'm certainly pleased to be part of it."

Harte was criticised by some for allowing German striker Miroslav Klose to nip in front of him and head home the early goal last week.

He sees that as an example of the difference in levels between playing in the English Premier League and the World Cup finals.

"When you play in the World Cup it is a bigger stage and if you give someone with quality half a chance they will stick it in the back of the net, whereas in the Premiership you might get away with it - that is the kind of class you are up against," said Harte.

"Klose ran between Steve Staunton and myself and by the time I started to react the ball was in the back of the goal. It was quite disappointing but it was just nice to see us get back into the game.

"I think the defence are doing well overall. We have limited teams to a few chances while up front we have had a few chances. You have to be alert for 93 minutes, as we saw against Germany.

"It is a great experience and every game we stay in this tournament will do us great.

"In the first game, for nearly every one of us - apart from Niall Quinn, Stan Staunton, Jason McAteer and Gary Kelly - it was a new experience. When you walked out there and saw the crowd you felt the hairs stand up on the back of your neck.

"I have enjoyed it. It is my first time at the World Cup and I am enjoying every game as it comes along."

The Republic need to beat Saudi Arabia by two clear goals in order to progress to the knockout phase, and move on to Korea.

Harte added: "We just have to go out on the pitch and do what we have done in the last two games and I am sure that will get us through.

"It would be nice for me to score against Saudi but as long as we win the game and get through to the next phase I won't be too bothered.

"We've had time off to relax and see our families in the last few days so it has been good. Now we are a day away from our last game and we want to go to Korea so we have to get psyched up for that."