Keane expects Gerrard impact

admin

The former Liverpool captain, who left Anfield after 17 years this summer, was presented to the Galaxy fans during their 4-0 win over Toronto FC at the StubHub Center on Saturday as Keane bagged a hat-trick.

And the Republic of Ireland striker, who previously played with Anfield icon Gerrard during a year-long spell with the club, reckons LA’s newest signing will be comfortable following his and David Beckham’s footsteps.

“There’s a pressure on you because you are the designated player so people expect so much of you,” Keane said.

“We’ve seen over the years, with myself and when David (Beckham) was here as well, people expect. If things are going wrong, they expect you to pull them out of a hole and that will be no different for Stevie.

“I’ve been looking forward to him coming – he’s been here the last 10 days or so. He’s been absolutely brilliant with the players and he’s a great lad on and off the field so we’re excited to have him here and he’s going to be a huge addition to this squad.”

The former Tottenham striker, who moved Stateside in 2011, thinks Gerrard will have a major impact on both LA Galaxy and the MLS as a whole and knows he is eager to win trophies with his new club.

Keane added: “I think he’ll have a massive (impact). Stevie has that hunger and desire to always do well and players such as myself came over here and got straight into it and wanted to win things and it has worked out well for me.

“Steven is no different – he wants to come here and win things. With him adding to this squad, it is only going to help the Galaxy.

“I just told him to come and enjoy it – he’ll have a great time here. It’s a great league, a tough league, a competitive league and it’s not a bad place to live either.”

Asked what Gerrard will have to do to adapt to life in Los Angeles, Keane was quick to dish out some sun safety tips.

He said: “He’ll have to put a lot of Factor 50 on, like myself.”