Post by Taxigirl on Apr 14, 2004 10:20:39 GMT
news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/republic_of_ireland/3623867.stm
Sir Alex Ferguson has backed Roy Keane over his decision to resume playing for the Republic of Ireland.
The Manchester United boss said: "I'm pleased for Roy. He's made a good decision for all parties concerned.
"There has been some dialogue and they have come to the feeling this was a good time to go back in order to qualify for the next World Cup."
"In this case I would say it is a very good decision for Roy - and I support it 100%."
Nottingham Forest and Republic of Ireland midfielder Andy Reid believes Keane's decision is a real boost to their World Cup qualifying hopes.
"It's a massive boost for us to have Roy back, he's a world-class player and the more of them you get in the squad the better," Reid told BBC Sport.
"There's a lot of competition in the squad for places with or without Roy so it's always going to be hard to get into the team, but more competition is good news.
"I suppose I'm a little bit surprised he's decided to come back now, but there's been so much speculation about it ever since he decided to retire from international football."
Republic legend John Giles added: "Roy Keane is without question our best player, and we're badly in need of someone like him in midfield.
"Players don't have to get on well with each other on a personal level, what they have to do is combine well on the pitch."
BBC Sport football expert Mark Lawrenson said: "If he comes back into the fold, battles hard, plays well, and Ireland qualify for the World Cup, then all will be forgiven, if not necessarily forgotten.
"I don't think Kenny Cunningham will be bothered if he loses the captaincy. Everyone knows Keane is a natural leader who has a massive influence on everybody around him.
"Sir Alex Ferguson realises Keane's career is coming to an end and is already preparing the future."
Sir Alex Ferguson has backed Roy Keane over his decision to resume playing for the Republic of Ireland.
The Manchester United boss said: "I'm pleased for Roy. He's made a good decision for all parties concerned.
"There has been some dialogue and they have come to the feeling this was a good time to go back in order to qualify for the next World Cup."
"In this case I would say it is a very good decision for Roy - and I support it 100%."
Nottingham Forest and Republic of Ireland midfielder Andy Reid believes Keane's decision is a real boost to their World Cup qualifying hopes.
"It's a massive boost for us to have Roy back, he's a world-class player and the more of them you get in the squad the better," Reid told BBC Sport.
"There's a lot of competition in the squad for places with or without Roy so it's always going to be hard to get into the team, but more competition is good news.
"I suppose I'm a little bit surprised he's decided to come back now, but there's been so much speculation about it ever since he decided to retire from international football."
Republic legend John Giles added: "Roy Keane is without question our best player, and we're badly in need of someone like him in midfield.
"Players don't have to get on well with each other on a personal level, what they have to do is combine well on the pitch."
BBC Sport football expert Mark Lawrenson said: "If he comes back into the fold, battles hard, plays well, and Ireland qualify for the World Cup, then all will be forgiven, if not necessarily forgotten.
"I don't think Kenny Cunningham will be bothered if he loses the captaincy. Everyone knows Keane is a natural leader who has a massive influence on everybody around him.
"Sir Alex Ferguson realises Keane's career is coming to an end and is already preparing the future."