Robbie Keane has become the latest Liverpool player to fall victim to burglars, sources said yesterday.

The Republic of Ireland striker's penthouse apartment was broken into while he was away on international duty in Ireland's 2-1 win over Georgia on Saturday.

The thieves sneaked into the flat he shares with model wife Claudine (25), and are believed to have stolen an expensive watch and jewellery.

Keane (28) had been using the city centre property in Liverpool while he searched for a home after his stg£20m (€25m) move from Tottenham.

Keane was quick to play down the incident, and to confirm that the Carling Cup medal he won with Spurs last season was not taken by the burglars.

He said: "I'm obviously grand because I'm sitting here. Everything is grand.

"It was just one of those small incidents. It's being taken care of at the moment, but it's nothing major.

"It wasn't the house in London. It's a little minor incident that happened in Liverpool, but the police are taking care of it.

"It's not a massive, massive thing. No-one is in danger or anything like that, there are just a few things gone missing, but nothing major.''

A spokesman said: "Merseyside Police is investigating reports of a theft which took place in a city centre hotel.

"A quantity of jewellery was taken."

Over the past two years six Anfield stars, including Steven Gerrard and former Red Peter Crouch, have been burgled while playing.

Six Reds players have now had their homes ransacked in just over 18 months.

* Striker Dirk Kuyt ad his plush pad burgled in November while he was on international duty with Holland.

* In June 2006, former goalie Jerzy Dudek had his Porsche stolen from his Liverpool home along with his 2005 Champions League winner's medal.

* In September 2006, defender Daniel Agger and former Red striker Peter Crouch had their homes burgled as they were playing at Anfield. Thieves stole a BMW and Cadillac from Agger's house.

* In May 2007, keeper Pepe Reina's Merseyside home was raided as he helped Liverpool beat Chelsea in the Champions League semi-final. His Porsche was stolen.

* Last year, Steven Gerrard's missus was left paralysed with fear as masked robbers raided the England star's home while she was inside with their children. Alex Curran (25) was inside with daughters Lilly Ella, three, and one-year-old Lexi. She clung to her kids as four balaclava-wearing thugs ransacked the house, grabbing handfuls of jewellery before fleeing.