Republic of Ireland captain Keane scored the goal against France on Wednesday that sent the qualifying play-off towards penalties before Thierry Henry's handball set up William Gallas who put Les Bleus through.

Keane has called on the French Football Federation to heed Henry's acceptance that a replay would be "the fairest solution" - and another shot at the World Cup would be part of a fine 2009 where he returned to Spurs after an unsuccessful spell at Liverpool.

"He's been a great player for us, a terrific signing," said Redknapp. "Some people have criticised him and I hate that because he played a massive part in keeping us up last year. It's no coincidence we went on a great run when he arrived.

"I felt the atmosphere around the place changed when he came, because of the way he is, the bubbly character he is, he's infectious, and he's done great for us."

Keane could bounce back in the Barclays Premier League clash against Wigan tomorrow at White Hart Lane.

"He'll pick himself up, he's a strong character," Redknapp said. "Obviously it's a massive disappointment for him, captain of his country. Hopefully it's not, but it could be his last chance to get to the World Cup finals.

"But he'll came back strong, he's a great, bubbly character."

Ledley King and Luka Modric will miss the Wigan clash but Redknapp will ask Keane about his fitness before deciding whether to field his skipper.

"I don't know how tired he is, how he feels after it all, or if he is drained," he said. "He came back tired for the game against Portsmouth.

"He is a sensible, clever guy who understands football - he has a fantastic football brain and knows how he feels. If he says to me 'I feel a bit washed out' then that is good enough, I'll listen to him. If he says 'I feel great' then I'll take that on board."

Meanwhile, Redknapp insists Joe Jordan fits the bill as Scotland manager - but he would be devastated to lose him at White Hart Lane.

Jordan, Redknapp's assistant at Spurs, has forged a strong reputation as a coach and has been linked with the Scotland job following the departure of George Burley.

"Joe would be fantastic," Redknapp said. "He's been a good manager, at Hearts and Bristol City, and would be excellent but I really wouldn't want to lose him because for me he is fantastic.

"You'd put your life on Joe. He knows the game, a lovely man and a great character. He's a quiet man but when he says something it's worth listening to. He's a good guy."