CARLOS Cuellar has kicked off the countdown for Robbie Keane’s fond farewell this weekend by thanking the loanee for his impact at Villa.

Keane signs off his all-too-short six-week stint in Saturday’s trip to Wigan before returning to parent club LA Galaxy.

The 31-year-old Irish striker proved to be an instant hit at Villa with three goal and a string of impressive performances.

And Cuellar would love to send Keane on his way with an important victory over the Latics at the DW Arena.

But the Spanish defender insists the claret and blues should celebrate his contribution rather than worry too much about his departure.

“We need to say to him ‘thank-you for your performances’,” said Cuellar.

“It is really a sad to lose him because he is playing so well and he has been very important for us. But we will try to win for him as well as for ourselves.”

Cuellar believes his own game has improved from having to mark Keane during training sessions at Bodymoor Heath.

And he insists the challenge is there for another member of the claret and blue dressing room to try to fill the experienced forward’s boots.

“It has been good because he is an experienced player with good technique and you really have to concentrate to play against him,” added Cuellar.

“It makes you up your performance. He is very clever and he is a great finisher too.

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