Robbie Keane has been gagged from talking about his Republic of Ireland team-mate Kevin Doyle leaving Wolves by boss Giovanni Trapattoni.

The Italian’s recent comments suggesting Doyle is ready to ply his trade on a grander arena in response to being linked with Arsenal irritated Wolves manager Mick McCarthy.

So Trapattoni warned his captain Robbie Keane against talking up his team-mates chances of a big move, appeaing anxious not to inflame the situation any further.

Interrupting Keane when asked his opinion of his strike partner signing for the Gunners, Trapattoni said: “Be careful because Mick McCarthy is a friend and we don’t want to upset him.”

Tottenham’s former Wolves striker Keane heeded Trapattoni’s advice and refused to comment on whether Doyle would go to the Emirates Stadium.

He said: “Kevin has done a tremendous job and he is a Wolves player, so I don’t want to comment about Arsenal.”

But Keane did insist Wolves’ club record signing would score more in a better side.

He said: “Kevin has scored goals in a team that probably does not create as many chances as a top-six side where you get more.

“With another striker I’m sure he’d get a lot more goals. You have to give him credit for his record right now, considering he was up front on his own.

“He did a tremendous job last year at Wolves and good luck to him. I think he’s become a top player. Considering where he’s come from and how he started, he’s progressed.

“He was their best player last season and he’s progressed to become a forceful figure in the Premier League.

“There’s no question he can score goals – he’s shown it over the years he’s been in the English leagues.”

Keane, who insists he is not about to move and will return to Tottenham for pre-season training on July 5, acknowledges the Trojan-like effort Doyle made as a lone forward for the second half of the season.

The Spurs star said: “As a striker it’s very difficult sometimes playing up front on your own, but Kevin’s done it.

“It’s necessary sometimes to be running for the team, because you’re up there on your own.

“Mick didn’t have the resources to do any different and that’s probably why they stayed in the Premier League.”