From Tolka Park to Japan and tonight Skopje: Robbie Keane reaches an historic landmark:

SPECIAL MOMENT:   Robbie Keane nets his 50th international goal

The Republic of Ireland recorded a famous win in Skopje tonight in garnering a fully meritted (even - though Macedonia missed a first-half penalty and had a 'goal' disallowed) 0-2 away win at a venue that Ireland had never won before in two previous competitive fixtures.

Keane celebrates becoming 12th all-time international goalscorer

Keane has always shown immense pride in playing for his country ever since his Ireland (under - age) debut as a fresh faced 15 year old at Tolka Park.  It is an attitude that now sees Robbie Keane as Ireland captain and the senior elder statesman in the ranks of the national team.  As the only survivor of the last time Ireland played Macedonia in Skopje; Robbie Keane had some ghosts to exorcise and tonight surpassed some of the greats of international football to score his 5oth and 51st international goals.  Only 11 other footballers have now scored more international goals than the lad from Tallaght; with Robbie tonight eclipsing the record for the Brtish and Irish Isles held by one Bobby Charlton, who netted 49 times for the "Three Lions."

MAGICAL MEMORY:  Keane scores last ditch World Cup equaliser v Germany

Robbie Keane has provided me with my all-time favourite sporting moment;  that being his magical last gasp equaliser against Germany at the 2002 World Cup to rescue Ireland's campaign.  For that memory alone; I will always be grateful to him.   I will also always respect his undying commitment and dedication to his country.

Getting the ball rolling:  first international goal back in 1998

The fact that Robbie was
struggling with a groin injury earlier in the week was utterly appropriate and totally summed up his international career.  Whilst others might have cried off at the end of a long season; Keane would do and has done anything to play for his country.  This generation of Irish players (looking at Keane, Duff, Dunne and Given here) deserve to play at a major international tournament.  There chances of doing so are now running out; but tonight's victory keeps qualification hopes for Euro 2012 very much alive for the Boys in Green.  
Continuing the theme of aptness tonight was the fact that the result was decided mainly by two of Ireland's most important players over the last 12 years;  Shay Given with two world class saves and Keane with his two goals; really summing up Ireland's positive competitive international football results over the last decade and more.  
Tonight nobody besides Robbie could be declared man of the match on a night of nights for him personally and professionally.