Exclusive: 'Hopefully get to see him at some stage' - Claudine Keane and family touchdown in Paris ahead of Ireland's opening game at Euro 2016

With a father whose scored more international goals than we've had hot dinners Robert Keane Jnr could be forgiven for being a little blasé ahead of our opening game in Euro 2016.

But like almost every Irish six-year-old, captain Robbie's eldest was 'beyond excitement' as he tipped down in Charles de Gaulle airport this afternoon.

The family will be in the Stade de France tomorrow evening to cheer on the Boys in Green and mum Claudine explained that this will be the highlight of their French holiday.

"Robert is beyond excited, aren't you Robert? It's very exciting for them. I think that with huge tournaments like this they chat to other friends and they get so excited and they follow all the teams so he's dying to go, he can't wait."

The former model is joined in Paris by her mother Joan Palmer, brother and a number of other family members.

She said they were aware of the security threats surrounding the event but that didn't hold them back from travelling.

"I am just aware of the security concerns in France rather than being frightened of them. I think life is for living and you can't really hold back on things like that.

"I know the security is tight here and I put my fate in the fact that they have made it safe for everyone that is coming over to support the teams."

• Read More: Wife of Ireland star Glenn Whelan left 'fuming' after family flight to Euro 2016 was cancelled at last minute
• Read More: 'She wouldn't marry me unless we got back for Euro 2016' - Newlyweds join 40,000 fans for Eiffel Tower party

The team are currently based at the Trianon Palace in Versailles and families will not get the chance to see them until after tomorrow's opening round clash with Sweden.

In the meantime Claudine explained that she and the family are going to visit some of the sites on offer in the French capital.

"We can't wait to have a look around Paris, the Eiffel Tower and all the fun things that Paris has to offer. And of course we are really looking forward to the game tomorrow night.

Se added: "We hope to see him [Robbie Keane] at some stage but for now he's just focusing on the games. We are kind of doing some family things and then we'll hopefully get to see him post games."

Asked how her husband is feeling ahead of the tournament Claudine explained that the Irish captain is predictably upbeat.

"Rob is always very positive and he has a great mindset, he's very focused and he's really looking forward to starting the campaign. The whole camp has a really good sense of spirit about them and hopefully everything goes well."

Claudine is used to watching her husband line out in the sunny climes of Southern California for LA Galaxy.

• Read More: The world of the Wag is just not what it used to be
• Read More: Claudine Keane shares delighted family photo as injured Robbie is picked for Euro 2016

She explained that she loves the atmosphere in LA but nothing compares to the noise of the travelling Green Army.

"LA Galaxy games are quite respectable. There's confetti when people score goals, there's a national anthem, half time entertainment so you know it's a different thing.

"But I think Ireland games always have the most incredible atmosphere and I don't think anyone in the world could beat that, confetti and all included."

Claudine is just one of a number of wives and girlfriends travelling out to see the Boys in Green in action this week but the former Assets model said she would be spending her time with her family rather than the so-called WAGs.

"I'm staying with my family so my mom, my brother all of us are here together so we are all going to be staying together at the hotel. I stick to my family and friends really. We are kind of looking at this as being able to tour Paris and see the games and things."

Who is your sportstar of the year?

Vote in the Irish Independent Sport Star Awards and you could win the ultimate sports prize.

Prizes include, tickets to Ireland's against Scotland in the Six Nations, All Ireland football and hurling final tickets and much more.

Simply click here to register your vote

Online Editors