Republic of Ireland international Gary Breen has expressed fears
that teenage strike sensation Robbie Keane may be a victim of
over-expectation from his colleagues.
On Saturday against Southampton both City and the 19-year-old
failed to find the net for the second consecutive match and Breen,
reinstated to the team in the absence of Richard Shaw, believes other
players must take some goal-scoring responsibility.
He said:
"We perhaps put too much pressure on Robbie Keane. He is
such a danger player and Southampton managed to snuff out his
threat. When that happens we need to make sure we get goals from
elsewhere."
And the talented central defender could be set for a lengthy spell
in the first team himself after it was confirmed that Shaw needs knee
surgery.
He added:
"I am pleased to be in the first team but I won’t set
myself any targets. I am still a yard short of my best and that will
only be rectified with match fitness. I have been lucky in that when
I have played for Ireland I have done well and that has got me
picked for the next game.
"I have been happy with my form all season but its only now
I am getting into the first team."
The Sky Blues are currently in the midst of a defensive injury
crisis, having to field two midfielders in the back four for Saturday’s
trip to The Dell, with both Paul Telfer and Steve Froggatt dropping
back.
Breen himself nearly joined Marcus Hall, Marc Edworthy, David
Burrows and Richard Shaw in the treatment room when he was left
limping heavily after a collision with his own goalkeeper.
He said:
"We just collided and Magnus Hedman kneed me in the
hamstring. I had to carry on and I will be alright in a couple of
days but it was quite painful."
And although many at City were pleased to take a point back down
the M40, Breen admitted the players thought they should have won.
"We are disappointed especially because we started so well.
We dominated the start of each half and I don’t know if we let
them back in through carelessness or because we didn’t manage to
get a goal."
