Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane has warned rivals not to underestimate the Boys in Green ahead of the Euro 2012 campaign in Poland and Ukraine.  With memories of their controversial Word Cup 2010 playoff defeat to France still fresh in the mind you can be certain that the Republic will do everything they can to make this tournament campaign last as long as possible.

“We’ve probably got one of the toughest groups in the Euros. Listen, we’re always better when we play against teams that are so-called better than us or bigger nations than us” said Keane, the LA Galaxy striker who has scored 53 goals in 115 international appearances.

Keane, 31, who holds the record for most appearances as captain for the Republic, as well as being their leading goal scorer certainly knows his team and their capabilities. The man from Dublin featured in the 2002 World Cup, the Republic’s last major tournament finals appearance and having scored in a famous draw against eventual finalists Germany and in a 1-1 draw against much-fancied Spain he certainly knows what it takes to trouble the big sides.

The Republic of Ireland have been drawn in Group C alongside 2006 World Cup winners Italy, current World and European Champions Spain and Croatia, against whom they begin their campaign on 10th June.  The Euro 2012 Group C Betting understandably places them as outsiders, though underdog status has never been something that affects the Ireland players.

Without the big names, egos and expectation afflicting their rivals it is just possible that through hard work, team spirit and sheer determination Keane’s side could spring a surprise or two but it seems highly unlikely that they will make the knock-out stages given the standard of their Group opposition.

If they do make it out of the group stage, however, then who would bet against them making a real push for the tournament…does anyone remember Greece in 2004?!

Will Ireland’s near neighbours England also make it through to the knock-out stages? Check out the latest Euro 2012 Group D Betting odds here.

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