USA coach Jurgen Klinsmann has expressed his belief that Robbie Keane is making a lasting impact on youngsters in America due to his exploits in the MLS with the Los Angeles Galaxy.
The 34-year-old will not face the United States in the Republic of Ireland's friendly clash on Tuesday due to the Galaxy's upcoming playoff clash against the Seattle Sounders.
Klinsmann feels that the quality Keane is displaying in the MLS and at international level with Martin O'Neill's men can inspire young players in Ireland and in the USA to follow in his footsteps.
He told reporters: "I often say that in the United States, Robbie Keane is a role model for all the American players growing up in this beautiful game.
"That's what he has done since he came overseas, he shows to the young players what it takes to become a professional, how much dedication you need, how much commitment you need.
"Robbie is the same Robbie in training as in the game, so he is huge for MLS because these are the type of players that you need to have in your environment to make the league grow and to make younger players understand what the real big players are doing."
The Galaxy face off against the Sounders in their MLS Western Conference final clash on Sunday.
Simon Sinclair
