By RYAN TOLMICH

Robbie Keane still has a few more years left in him but the LA Galaxy forward already has a post-playing career job in mind.

The Irishman says that he plans to move into a coaching role when his playing career comes to an end. Having already completed the first stages of European coaching requirements, Keane has particularly set his sights on managing his native Ireland.

“I would like to be a manager, but I would still be coaching at the start — whether that is in America, I don’t know,” Keane said. “Long-term I would like to work in England.

“Would the ultimate goal be to manage Ireland? Maybe one day, yeah. It is something I would be interested in. A few years down the line, it would have to be. I’m not going to get something like that at the start but, like anything, it depends on what opportunities you get. You don’t walk into jobs. You have to establish yourself first.”

Here are some more of Monday’s MLS news and notes:

UNION LOSE BLAKE TO INJURY; SIGN USL PRO GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR

After having a wealth of options at the positions last season, the Philadelphia Union are experiencing issues at the goalkeeper position.

2014 MLS Draft top overall pick Andre Blake is set to miss four-to-six weeks after undergoing surgery on his left knee. Blake made one MLS appearance for the club last season and has been capped nine times by Jamaica on the international level.

The Union announced Monday that the club has signed goalkeeper John McCarthy, formerly of the USL Pro’s Rochester Rhino. Last season, his first as a pro, McCarthy was recognized as both USL Pro Goalkeeper and Rookie of the Year after leading the league with a 0.72 goals against average.

McCarthy, 22, is also a local product, having attended nearby La Salle University.

“John is a player we know well as we’ve watched his development closely coming out of Philly and last season in USL Pro,” technical director Chris Albright said. “He’ll continue to grow as he transitions into MLS and he gives us depth at an important position.”

TFC’s GILBERTO DEBUTS FOR VASCO DA GAMA

On-loan Toronto FC striker Gilberto has made his debut for new club Vasco Da Gama, and it has come with some controversy.

Gilberto started in the club’s matchup with Fluminese and was part of a controversial non-call on a potential penalty late in the first half. After receiving a pass from new teammate Marcinho, Gilberton was taken down by Diego Cavaleri inside the box, but was given a yellow card for diving.

“Look at the mark here,” Gilberto told Globoesporte while pointing to a mark on his shin. “Cavalieri touched me. I’m not falling in the area. I had beaten the keeper, but I could not steady myself after the touch. It was penalty.”

Overall, the forward was pleased with the performance, especially his fitness despite the long layoff.

“The delivery was good, the determination of all,” Gilberto said. “They are to be congratulated. We did what the coach asked and we were not surprised at any time. I enjoyed my debut, but I still have much to improve, me and the team as a whole.

“I stayed some months on the sidelines, but my fitness helped. I thought I would get tired, but I was well prepared. ”

TIMBERS MIDFIELDER ZEMANSKI SUFFERS TORN ACL

The Portland Timbers’ unfortunate luck with leg injuries reared its ugly head once again on Sunday.

Midfielder Ben Zemanski suffered a torn ACL in the 23rd minute of the Timbers’ 1-0 loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps on Sunday. Zemanski was expected to step in to start the season as a replacement to Will Johnson, who broke his leg in late September.

Zemanski will also be joined by attacking midfielder Diego Valeri on the sidelines, as the Argentine picked up the same injury late last season.

Timbers head coach Caleb Porter said that the club is considering in-house prospects to replace Zemanski, mainly draft pick Nick Besler, 2014 selection George Fochive and veteran Jack Jewsbury.

“We do have depth,” Porter said. “We’ve got a couple of options, and we’ll look at those options. And we still have a couple of weeks to circle the wagons and figure out how to manage it.”

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How would Keane fare as a manager? What do you expect from Gilberto’s run with Vasco da Gama? Any concerns over the Union’s goalkeeper corps? Who do you think is the best replacement for the Timbers’ midfield?

Share your thoughts below.