ROBBIE Keane this week pronounced himself satisfied with the progress Tottenham have made since his return from an unhappy spell at Liverpool. The Spurs and Ireland captain, scorer of the Lilywhites goal in Sunday s 3-1 Premier League defeat at Anfield,

ROBBIE Keane this week pronounced himself satisfied with the progress Tottenham have made since his return from an unhappy spell at Liverpool.

The Spurs and Ireland captain, scorer of the Lilywhites' goal in Sunday's 3-1 Premier League defeat at Anfield, is delighted with the club's performance in the second half of the season.

"I think we have to be happy overall with the way we have finished the season, considering we were hovering close to the bottom of the table when I came here," said Keane, who rejoined the club in the January transfer window.

"I'm not for one second suggesting that the recovery has been down to me because the manager has done a fantastic job since coming here."

Indeed, Tottenham, who spent most the season battling against relegation, went into Sunday's game knowing that three points could see them claim the final Europa League spot if Fulham lost to Everton. In the end Harry Redknapp's men had to be content with eighth spot in the table.

"To think we only had two points from eight games and people were talking about us being possibly relegated, and then finishing eighth," added Keane.

"We saw some big clubs relegated over the weekend, so we have to be pleased with the way we performed in the second half of the season."

Keane goes straight back into action tomorrow night with the Republic of Ireland, who take on Nigeria in a friendly at Craven Cottage. The striker then heads to Bulgaria with the Republic for a vital World Cup qualifier in Sofia on Wednesday.

Keane's likely strike partner at the Lane next season Jermain Defoe is also hoping for an extended season after being recalled to the England fold.

Defoe, who was sidelined for several weeks with a foot injury, will be fresh for England's two World Cup qualifiers against Kazakhstan and Andorra next month. He has not featured for his country since starting in a 2-1 win in Germany last November.

"It seems like a lifetime since I was last involved because I have been injured," said Defoe.

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