Rory Delap joins Robbie Keane at Maccabi Tel Aviv as 'Barclays arrives in Middle East'
Robbie Keane has company in Israel after Maccabi Tel Aviv appointed old team-mate and Premier League cult hero Rory Delap as his assistant - and fans have joked he could teach his famous technique
Rory Delap has joined Robbie Keane in Israel - with the Premier League cult hero being announced as the Irishman's assistant at Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Delap was last working for former club Stoke City - where he was briefly Keane's team-mate - as a first-team coach. The long-throw merchant isn't the only familiar face to be jetting to Israel, and the pair will also be joined by ex-Ireland coach Andy Liddell.
However, fans were quick to raise eyebrows when Delap was announced as Keane's assistant. And some fans joked that Delap could be there to solely coach his famous trait to the Israeli side.
"Robbie Keane appoints Rory Delap as his assistant manager at Maccabi Tel Aviv. Long throws incoming," one fan joked. While a second nostalgic footy fan, who was referencing the iconic noughties period when the Premier League was sponsored by Barclays, added: "Some much-needed Barclays comes to the Middle East!"
READ MORE: Robbie Keane appointed manager of 'boyhood club' Maccabi Tel Aviv as fans scratch heads
"Can he do it on a hot and sticky Tuesday night in Netanya," a third questioned. And another added: "Rory Delap what an exciting signing! Will teach Rabivo to be the biggest thrower in Israel!"
Keane has been criticised for accepting the job at Tel Aviv with Sinn Fein sports spokesperson and Pro-Palestine activist Chris Andrews calling Maccabi an “apartheid” club.
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However, Keane hit back: "I don’t want to get into politics. This is the last time I will say it. I’m here as a football man and someone that loves the game. I will certainly just focus on that but thanks for your question."
Keane hasn't been in the hot seat himself for five years, and his last job came under Big Sam as Leeds crashed out of the Premier League.