Why Robbie Keane didn't join Wolves

Robbie Keane has answered Wolves fans accusing him of turning his back on his first club in its hour of need.

The 30-year-old will see out the rest of the season in the front-line of West Ham's bid to escape the drop, after signing for the Premier League strugglers on loan from Tottenham.

Amid whispers of interest from Molineux in taking Keane back - the club tried to sign him in similar circumstances a year ago - it's a role legions of Wolves fans wanted to see the player take on at the club which launched him on his trail-blazing career.

And that has prompted some fans across the range of social network sites to accuse Keane of a betrayal.

The Republic of Ireland international said: "I've been getting some stick about not coming back but you've got to realise there was never an opportunity for me to even consider it. There was never an offer there in the first place.

"In order for me to talk to any club I first need that club to agree a deal with Tottenham. West Ham were able to do that but there was never anything from Wolves for Tottenham or myself to even consider.

"And I like to think that I have a good enough relationship with folk at Wolves to have known if there was any kind of interest."

Keane is a big fan of Wolves boss Mick McCarthy from their days together as manager and star player for the Republic of Ireland and the Spurs striker would have had no problems working with him again.

And he stressed: "It's upsetting to hear Wolves fans accusing me of turning my back on the place - I would never do that.

"Anyone who knows me knows that the club will always be special to me. But I have to focus my allegiance now on West Ham.

"Had there been an offer from Wolves then, of course, I would have been interested in talking to them about coming back.

"But there wasn't - I can't talk to a club that isn't trying to sign me."

Keane now clings to the hope that his new and old clubs will remain in the Premier League next season.

He said: "The dream outcome for me is that both clubs get out of this mess. I desperately don't want to see my old club go down.

"It's important that the Wolves fans hear this. I've got a great relationship with them which is important."