Ex-Spurs striker Keane named new manager of Maccabi Tel Aviv: I am delighted

Former Tottenham and Republic of Ireland striker Robbie Keane has been named new coach of Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Keane's appointment was confirmed this morning.

It will be the Irishman's first major manager's job in Europe.

The former Liverpool and LA Galaxy star was assistant coach to Sam Allardyce at Leeds in the final weeks of last season.

I am delighted to take on this challenge at Maccabi. My team and I look forward to beginning work and we have confidence in our ability to do what is necessary to prepare the team for the coming season," he told the club's website after agreeing a two-year deal.

Tel Aviv's owner, Mitch Goldhar, added: Robbie brings the mentality, character, energy and focus of a winner, traits he exhibited everywhere he played. These characteristics now combined with ambitions to succeed as a coach are aligned with our objectives at Maccabi."

Keane replaces former Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka, who left the club on Sunday.