Although defender Ledley King will retain the club captaincy, manager Redknapp will entrust Keane with the responsibility for leading the team in matches.

Keane was unable to win a regular place in the Liverpool team and was picked up by Tottenham yesterday, six months after leaving to join the club he supported as a boy.

There have been suggestions Keane will have to win over the Tottenham support at the start of his second stint in north London, however Redknapp is certain the Republic of Ireland captain will prove a reliable team leader.

"He is such a terrific character and I am glad to have him here because he will be important to us both on and off the field,'' Redknapp said on the club's website.

"He is just the type of player we need here and gives his all every time he plays.

"He is a leader with great presence in the dressing room and I am sure his enthusiasm will rub off on others.

"Ledley is our club captain but because of his injury he accepts he can't be involved every week, so Robbie will be my team captain.''