Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane believes there is greater responsibility on his shoulders tomorrow with boss Steve Staunton sitting in the stands.

Staunton serves a one-match touchline suspension for the Euro 2008 qualifier with Cyprus at the GSP Stadium in Nicosia following his dismissal from the dug-out against Germany last month.

Staunton will not be allowed any contact with players or coaching staff from the moment they arrive at the ground, with assistant Kevin MacDonald the man in charge.

But Tottenham striker Keane knows he will have to play a more active role on the pitch once the game starts, with Staunton reduced to the role of spectator.

"With that in mind, of course there's more of an onus on me to get the players going," said Keane.

"We've Kevin MacDonald who will step in, but I'm sure 'Stan' will say his words at the team hotel before we leave for the game.

"It's about the players knowing their responsibilities before the game, and I'm sure everything will be covered.

"But as captain, there's always responsibility to say a few words, and that will definitely be the case tomorrow."

With Reading striker Kevin Doyle sidelined with an ankle injury, it appears certain Keane will be partnered by Clinton Morrison in attack.

The 27-year-old has nine goals in 35 appearances to his credit, although the Crystal Palace forward has failed to find the net in his last seven international matches.

But Keane feels he and Morrison can join forces as they look to end Ireland's three-match goal drought.

"That's not a concern. I'm not too worried about it," insisted Keane.

"Clinton and I have played a lot of times together. We have a good understanding and scored a few goals when we have linked up.

"If we're together again then hopefully we will do well again and get a few goals.
 
"But it's not just about the strikers. At the end of the day, whether you are a striker, a midfielder, the team as a whole, you have to take responsibility.

"We'll certainly do that, and then hopefully when we do get chances we'll take them. Hopefully the other players will create a lot more chances for the strikers, but it's something we're not too worried about.

"We know if we continue to work hard in the manner we did against Germany, then we've a good chance."

Keane has struggled himself, though, with the 26-year-old finally finding the net for the first time this season with the winner in last Thursday's 1-0 Uefa Cup victory over Slavia Prague.

"Hopefully that has set the ball rolling for me," commented Keane, who is Ireland's all-time leading goalscorer with 26.

Ireland could certainly do with Keane and Morrison on form as they look to give their bandwagon a push on the road to the Euro 2008 finals in Switzerland and Austria.

As far as Keane is concerned, he feels it is "imperative" Ireland take all three points against a Cypriot side they have beaten in all six previous meetings.

"At the end of the day football is about winning, regardless of how you play," added Keane, who knows how close Ireland came to being on the end of an upset a year again when they beat Cyprus 1-0.

"Everybody wants to play nice football and play with a good tempo. Last time we didn't do that. But if you said to me 'would you take 1-0 again?', I would have to say yes."   PA