Robbie Keane - loan now confirmed

[Damo70]

He's still in his early thirties as opposed to Pires who was clearly well past it. I think he's a decent player and he seems a decent character to have around for a while too. He's experienced and scores goals. I think he will be a decent addition while he's here and give the fans and players a bit of a boost. I think Weimann and Delfouneso have a chance but for the next couple of months if we are bringing on an attacking sub I will be more optimistic of Keane getting a goal then either of them or Heskey.

[Nastylee]

I'd love to know who these great youngsters are that are going to be pushed out due to this move. Surely people are not talking about Fonz and Weimann? When you look at a squad, yes we have plenty of players who call themselves strikers but only two that have a record to back it up. I'm sure that is everyone knew that Ba would bag 15 goals by January then he'd not be at Newcastle, the chances of us picking up a quality striker within our budget are slim so a loan that helps us out can't be seen as a negative. Whether it's positive remains to be seen.

[Legion]

A season too late. Young, Keane and Bent...

[Aston Manor]

He's definitely a sticking plaster and although I'm not jumping through hoops we do need more experience to call from the bench.

[Legion]

Rather him than Heskey, I suppose.

[Aston Manor]

and if Bent's not on the pitch for those penalties we now no longer get who else would you trust to take it? If Bannan doesn't take it I guess.

[gervilla]

Rather him than Heskey, I suppose.

I'd rather anybody to Heskey to be fair.
At least we won't be starting with 10 men for the next few weeks.

[Steve kirk]

Its a pity its a few years too late and only for 2 months but he can only improve us, its also an addition to a very small squad, he is much better than Heskey so lets get behind him and make him feel welcome, what have we got to lose?   

[eamonn]

A season too late. Young, Keane and Bent...

Yeah, it could even have led to Michael Barrymore supporting us.

[PeterWithesShin]

From the Mirror.

Aston Villa remain optimistic Los Angeles Galaxy striker Robbie Keane will join them on loan although the deal is unlikely to be completed on Tuesday, Press Association Sport understands.

The Republic of Ireland international is poised to join Villa for two months and is already training with the midlands club.

But the eight-hour time difference between Birmingham and Los Angeles means any announcement will probably happen on Wednesday after the expected completion of the paperwork.

Villa boss Alex McLeish would like Keane to be available for Saturday's home Barclays Premier League clash with Everton.

Sources close to the club are confident a temporary deal for Keane will still go through.

Keane has indicated he wants to join Villa and is conscious of retaining his match sharpness before rejoining Galaxy in March with the Euro 2012 finals in June.

Villa midfielder Barry Bannan would welcome Keane's arrival.

He said: "If you are getting players like that, it is good for the club. Our squad is pretty young and having another wise head alongside the likes of Richard Dunne is only going to help us as a group.

"Robbie has been around for ages and has played at the top level."

Keane's expected arrival is well timed with fellow striker Emile Heskey sidelined for up to a month with an Achilles injury.

[PeterWithesShin]

From ESPN LA

“When you see what happens to Emile, you realize getting Keane in is a decent idea,” McLeish told reporters Monday. “Whether there are more remains to be seen. We have got to manage the wages situation.” 

Keane's seven-week deal will net the Galaxy about $775,000, according to multiple British media reports. British wire service The Press Association last week said the deal could be worth as much as $1 million.

[petegoldring]

Pretty pointless I think.

I actually find him to be a tad annoying - and that stupid goal celebration he does - makes him look like a total bellend. However, I hope that we get to see lots of it while he's here!

[Brazilian Villain]

He's not my favourite Irish player but like every Villa player I'll support him in the claret and blue. Really hope it works out.

People like to criticize him but he's scored more international goals than any England player. Given the seedings Ireland usually get and the fact  that we don't always reach the big tournaments that's a record worthy of respect.

[Simba]

I think it is a good piece of business. Can't believe he is a replacement, albeit temporary for DB.

He will surely take up Hesky's role behind DB but will be quicker, offer more movement, give Benty and the midfield some options and he can score goals.  It fits the way Gingernut likes to play his teams.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

I think it is a good piece of business. Can't believe he is a replacement, albeit temporary for DB.

He will surely take up Hesky's role behind DB but will be quicker, offer more movement, give Benty and the midfield some options and he can score goals.  It fits the way Gingernut likes to play his teams.

Well he did set up Donavan's MSL winner, the type of ball Bent loves.