The fact that Keane saw Lippi leave Inter Milan one game into the 2001 season has led to him taking this week's chaotic events at Spurs in his stride, although he had the distraction of scoring twice for Republic of Ireland against Denmark.

Jol has appeared on the brink of losing his job as Spurs boss. But the Irish victory in Aarhus offered perspective for Keane, dedicated the success to Steve Staunton after the recent death of the Republic manager's father.

Facing Manchester United at Old Trafford tomorrow represents a tough return to Barclays Premier League action but also gives Tottenham the chance to answer the perception of them struggling against 'big-four' teams.

"If we do want to push on we need to be getting something from teams like Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool," said Keane.

The forward insists it is business as usual on his return from international duty, despite events over the past week when - with so much uncertainty surrounding Jol's future - Spurs officials met Sevilla boss Juande Ramos.

Spurs have denied negotiations, although Ramos spoke of an "offer" during a midweek press conference in Spain - before committing himself to Sevilla for the season.

After initially lukewarm support, chairman Daniel Levy has given Jol "100%" backing. Keane believes the players, as usual, are playing for the manager.

He said: "He picks us to go out there and play - we're going to do everything we can to do our best to play for him, because if we don't play well we're out of the team next week.

"Of course we're there to play for the manager, the staff, the board - everyone associated with Tottenham Hotspur."

Keane is one of the two reasons there is uncertainty over Jermain Defoe's future at the club, his partnership with Dimitar Berbatov Jol's preferred pairing in attack.

Jol has appointed Keane as his captain in the absence of Ledley King, and the striker feels the Dutchman is one of the best coaches he has played under.

"He's definitely up there," said the 27-year-old.

"I've been very fortunate to work with some great managers.

"Gordon Strachan, I've always said, is definitely there; Lippi was great for one game! I had him a few months because the season didn't start - his coaching was brilliant.

"Martin is definitely up there as well. I'm playing the best football of my career under the manager in the last two years - so he's definitely up there."

Levy suggested that finishing outside the top four would not necessarily result in the sack for Jol, although the pressure is now on for Spurs to improve on their consecutive top-five finishes.

"Of course we want to win things; we'd love to win a cup and keep on the progression," Keane added.

"We want to progress - and if we do, that obviously means getting into the Champions League. As players, that's what we want to achieve."

Levy also spoke to captain King after the fall-out over the last week - but he has not spoken to Keane yet.

"If the chairman wants to speak to me I'm sure he'll pick up the phone. But for me it's no problem - it's back to training as normal," he said.

While the focus will mainly be on Jol, Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson will also be in the spotlight after his blunder for England against Germany this week.

"The good thing about football is there's always another game - and you can put everything right," said Keane.

"We're normal people, you know. We make mistakes, but it's how you react to them. Paul's a strong guy, and I don't see a reason why he won't come out fighting back."