Darren Randolph insists Robbie Keane's experience will be vital for Middlesbrough’s Premier League promotion push.
Republic of Ireland assistant Keane was recently appointed as Jonathan Woodgate’s No 2 at the Riverside Stadium.
And Ireland goalkeeper Randolph reckons the rookie management duo have been a breath of fresh air around the club.
Boro - who only have one point from two games this season - no longer have the financial clout of old.
Navigating a path to the top flight will be harder now than at any stage of Randolph’s previous two years with the club.
In Dublin last night, Randolph said: “Robbie has been brilliant, he’s been energetic. He brings a lot of experience to the group and it’s just been relaxed and he’s enjoying it.
“We’re having to think more because it’s a totally new style of football we have this year compared to last and he's just trying to drum that into the lads.
“He's right-hand man to Jonathan Woodgate so he has a big say in what goes on.”
But while Keane is eager to forge a career in coaching, Randolph reckons the 39-year-old is still a player at heart.
“He still loves to get involved and he still has it,” beamed the goalkeeper.
“I missed the first week or two (of pre-season) as I got some extra time off but I was getting texts from the lads saying he was some player.
“He was the player on the pitch some days. He may not be as quick as he used to be but he still has the touch and movement.
“And that's what he's trying to pass on to some of our lads. Most teams now it's passing based, there's not many long ball teams.
“He wants us to play football at all times.
“There are times when you need to clear your lines but having someone like Robbie in there, with his footballing brain and experience is vital.”
Randolph also has one eye on Ireland’s big Euro 2020 qualifier with Switzerland in Dublin on September 5.
At the halfway stage of the campaign, the Boys in Green are top of the table with 10 points.
Randolph said: “It'll be tough but there’s no reason why we can't get the results we need and hang on to where we are and qualify.
“A point (against the Swiss) would be better than nothing and those points can be priceless come the end of the group.”
Darren Randolph launched his Irish Goalkeeper Academy in Dublin last night, with over 500 aspiring young 'keepers in attendance
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