John Aloisi eases Maclaren’s mind by ruling out Keane bid

John Aloisi has moved to ease any potential conflict with Jamie Maclaren, declaring the club had no interest in Robbie Keane.

Brisbane Roar coach John Aloisi. Picture: Jodie Richter

Brisbane coach John Aloisi has moved quickly to ease any potential conflict with boom striker Jamie Maclaren, declaring the club had no interest in pursuing former Irish international Robbie Keane — nor any attacking spearhead — with the retention of Mac­laren the top priority.

A star with Leeds United, Tottenham and Liverpool in the English Premier League, Keane has been heavily linked with a move to the A-League after leaving LA Galaxy recently.

And while Brisbane were touted as one of the leading suitors, Aloisi yesterday rejected any suggestion the club had sounded out Keane, with Western Sydney and Melbourne Victory appearing the only legitimate candidates to land his services.

“I said (last week) I hadn’t spoken to him and I will say it again. We haven’t spoken to Robbie Keane or his management and it isn’t something which has been discussed by anyone here at the club,” Aloisi said. “I haven’t spoken to the owners to check their position but I am confident that we won’t be pursuing him.

“Obviously we’d love to secure any top player — which Robbie clearly is. He has been a star at the highest level of the game for a long period now.

“I think he has plenty of good football still in him and should he come to Australia I think he’d be great for the A-League.

“Good luck to any club if they were able to sign him but I can tell you that someone won’t be us.”

The news will come as music to the ears of Maclaren, whose management launched a scathing attack on the Roar last week, labelling their early offers for the young Socceroo as “disgusting”.

Aloisi, however, said he and his star goalscorer had spoken and were “on the same page” now.

“It was a tough week for Jamie last week but I felt he dealt with it well,” Aloisi said.

“By the end he focused on the game and he worked hard during the game and this week I’ve seen him, it was like a weight lifted off his shoulders, knowing that he can do that.

“He’s been really sharp at training. We’ll be speaking ongoing with Jamie and his people but I haven’t had a meeting with them, no.”

The Wanderers are at a “very preliminary” stage of negotiations with Keane.

However, they face a stiff fight with clubs in China and the Middle East also interested.

As has been the case throughout the early part of the season, injuries continue to hurt Brisbane with star signing Brett Holman ruled out for six weeks with a back complaint.

“It’s best we get it fixed now,” Aloisi said. “Brett’s obviously disappointed about it but will come back stronger after having his knee cleaned out.

“What it also means is an opportunity for someone else.”

Classy attacking midfielder Dimitri Petratos, who was used off the bench in Brisbane’s 1-1 away draw with Western Sydney last Friday night, is the man likely to fill the void having finally regain full fitness after an injury-riddled pre-season.