Robbie Keane's casual role with Shamrock Rovers is likely to continue into the new season.
But Hoops boss Stephen Bradley has confirmed that the Ireland legend is not joining his coaching staff.
Keane, 40, has been coaching the Rovers strikers since the start of pre-season and is part of the league champions Covid bubble.
He is not being paid but has been in the dugout for pre-season games but had to miss last night’s 4-0 win over Cabinteely.
Keane is friends with Bradley and also a former Republic of Ireland team-mate of Hoops sporting director Stephen McPhail.
And it is not the first time the former striker has played a role in Rovers’ preparation ahead of a new season.
Keane, who was assistant with Ireland and Middlesbrough, is eager to become a manager and Bradley says he is ‘learning his trade’.
“Robbie has been brilliant. He’s been in from the very start and has done this for a number of years,” said Bradley.”He works extremely hard and he's enjoying it.
“When you have one of the top international scorers of all time and he says he can come in and help, you'd be a fool to not take that option.
“Some of his detail in the finishing department is top class.”
Keane remains under contract with the FAI but does not have a role in the association as Stephen Kenny did not retain him on the senior team staff.
FAI chief executive Jonathan Hill was appointed in October but admitted last week that he still has to speak with Keane over his future.
But Hoops boss Bradley has ruled out Keane joining the Rovers staff on a full-time basis - yet admits he could stay with the team into the new season.
“He's been in for a few weeks and will continue to do so but he won't be signing any contracts or coming into the club in any capacity,” he said.
“He just wants to learn his trade. The conversation we had over Christmas was to come in and help and that's how it comes about.
“Sometimes I think he's still a player - he's still scoring all of the goals in training and he has been excellent.”
Bradley added: “It’s something that will just progress and grow organically. He couldn’t make it (last night) but will be in (this morning).
“There's no pressure either way. If someone like Robbie Keane wants to give a bit of a voice to your forwards, you'd be very foolish not to take him up on that offer.”
