Robbie Keane - desperate to qualify.

By Neil Silver, PA Sport, Chiba

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Robbie Keane has insisted he will put personal glory to one side if it means the Republic of Ireland making it through to the last 16 of the World Cup finals.

The Leeds striker was the hero last Wednesday when he struck the dramatic injury-time equaliser against Germany in Ibaraki.

Ireland need to beat Saudi Arabia by two clear goals in today's final Group E clash in order to qualify for the last 16, but Keane does not mind who scores them just as long as the job gets done.

"Please God there is another goal or two out there but I'm not too bothered so long as we get the result that sends us into the next round," said Keane.

"It was great to score that goal but first and foremost drawing with Germany was a great result for the team.

"We showed the true character and spirit of the squad with the way we battled back from being a goal down.

"The game might have been in injury-time but we never stopped believing and we got our reward in the 92nd minute.

"The goal is definitely up there as one of my favourites and to score in the World Cup finals is a dream come true.

Even if Keane struggles in front of goal, it will not harm the self-belief he has.

He said: "If you miss a chance you cannot be thinking about it or speculating that you'll miss the next opportunity that comes your way.

"I always feel that it's up to you to believe that you'll put away the next one and thankfully that's what happened.

"I've had a great time since I arrived over here and I feel quite sharp in training.

"Before the Cameroon game Niall Quinn said that you've got to enjoy moments like this and that they don't come around too often.

"I took that into account and now I hope that we can get the right result against Saudi Arabia and advance to the next round.

"It's been a long six days since the Germany match and they've dragged a bit so we're just looking forward to getting out on the pitch and playing."

The Republic have never scored two goals in a match in the World Cup finals but Keane's Elland Road team-mate Gary Kelly is backing Keane to help break that record.

"We all know that we haven't scored too many goals when we need to go through and things like that but we're quietly confident," said Kelly.

"Each of us will go out there and do our best and I'm sure the two boys will try their best up front.

"Damien (Duff) has threatened defences and so has Robbie, and he was unlucky against Cameroon. He hit the post and then Matty Holland put one just wide the other night.

"We don't mind who scores the goals as long as we get on the road together all as a group.

"We'll go out there and know what we have to do and just really have a good go at it.

"It's great to be alive as the old saying goes. I'm just really enjoying it.

"I think in 1994 it went over our heads because we were young lads. We had a ball then but now I'm really appreciating it, enjoying every day, getting on with everyone and just having the craic as well."

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