Former Celtic and Republic of Ireland keeper Packie Bonner feels that Robbie Keane's brief loan spell in Scottish football is the perfect arena for him to build up his confidence.
Keane netted a hat-trick against Kilmarnock in the Active Nation Scottish Cup quarter-final at Rugby Park on Saturday, his eighth goal in eight games.
Asked what Irish fans think of Keane playing in the SPL, Ireland's technical director replied: "I suppose you are saying it is a downward step for Robbie, but what we are more interested in is that Robbie builds his confidence, is scoring goals and that he can do it for our country.
"He has 97 caps for Ireland and will probably make his 100th by the time we open our new stadium in August.
"He was out of the (Tottenham) team and like all good strikers it's about confidence.
"He has scored eight goals in eight and his movement off the ball on Saturday was brilliant."
Bonner also feels that Aiden McGeady should stay at Celtic for a couple more seasons before any possible move to the Premier League.
He said: "I've watched Aiden develop from being a very young guy.
"He came over to Ireland when he was 15 years old and has developed in to an international player but still not one who is first name on the team sheet so he has a bit of development to go there.
"I think he should stay with Celtic for another year at least, probably two.
"But of course he has the talent (to play in England) - he wouldn't be in our international team if he didn't."