Post by Taxigirl on Apr 22, 2004 14:11:19 GMT
news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/republic_of_ireland/3642901.stm
Roy Keane is set to make his return to Republic of Ireland duty after a two-year absence in Poland next week.
The Manchester United captain has been named in Brian Kerr's squad for the game in Bydgoszcz, even though he is at the centre of fitness doubts.
Keane has missed his club's last three games because of injury and may not line out against Charlton on Tuesday.
Kenny Cunningham will retain the Irish captaincy for the game in Poland despite Keane's return.
Keane last week announced that he would return to international duty.
His last international was against Nigeria in May 2002.
Less than a month later, he was sent home on the eve of the World Cup after a row with then Republic boss Mick McCarthy.
Irish boss Kerr said he had not spoken to Sir Alex Ferguson prior to Keane announcing his decision to return to the international stage.
"It was Roy Keane who made the approach and it was up to him to sort out his problems with Manchester United," said Kerr.
"It was Roy who took the initiative and I am delighted that he is again available for his country even though I know that many fans will not be happy with this decision.
"I was not involved in any way in the events that took place prior to those World Cup finals.
"But I feel it is time to move on and for all of us to be mature regarding Roy's return.
"The captaincy remains with Kenny Cunningham who has always done a very good job for me.
"Roy Keane will be treated just the same as any of the other players.
"I have spoken to some of the squad about his return and I do not envisage any problems."
Keane's return more than compensates for the absence of Lee Carsley who has opted out of internationals to spend more time with his family.
After last month's win over the Czech Republic, the Everton player said he did not want to be considered by Republic boss Brian Kerr for the forseeable future.
Thirty-year-old Carsley said he wanted to concentrate on regaining a regular first team place at Goodison.
The remainder of the squad is along predictable lines with Hearts' Alan Maybury, Celtic's Liam Miller and Cardiff striker Alan Lee all retained after being involved against the Czechs.
Maybury could be in line to start once again after Tottenham full-back Stephen Carr was forced to pull out of the squad because of a back injury.
Rep of Ireland squad: Given (Newcastle), Colgan (Hibernian), Kenny (Sheff Utd), Maybury (Hearts), Cunningham (Birmingham), Doherty (Tottenham), Harte (Leeds), O'Brien (Newcastle), Breen (Sunderland), O'Shea (Man Utd), Miller (Celtic), Roy Keane (Man Utd), Reid (Nottm For), Holland (Charlton), Delap (Southampton), McAteer (Sunderland), Kinsella (West Brom), Kilbane (Everton), Duff (Chelsea), Lee (Cardiff), Connolly (West Ham), Robbie Keane (Tottenham), Morrison (Birmingham).
Roy Keane is set to make his return to Republic of Ireland duty after a two-year absence in Poland next week.
The Manchester United captain has been named in Brian Kerr's squad for the game in Bydgoszcz, even though he is at the centre of fitness doubts.
Keane has missed his club's last three games because of injury and may not line out against Charlton on Tuesday.
Kenny Cunningham will retain the Irish captaincy for the game in Poland despite Keane's return.
Keane last week announced that he would return to international duty.
His last international was against Nigeria in May 2002.
Less than a month later, he was sent home on the eve of the World Cup after a row with then Republic boss Mick McCarthy.
Irish boss Kerr said he had not spoken to Sir Alex Ferguson prior to Keane announcing his decision to return to the international stage.
"It was Roy Keane who made the approach and it was up to him to sort out his problems with Manchester United," said Kerr.
"It was Roy who took the initiative and I am delighted that he is again available for his country even though I know that many fans will not be happy with this decision.
"I was not involved in any way in the events that took place prior to those World Cup finals.
"But I feel it is time to move on and for all of us to be mature regarding Roy's return.
"The captaincy remains with Kenny Cunningham who has always done a very good job for me.
"Roy Keane will be treated just the same as any of the other players.
"I have spoken to some of the squad about his return and I do not envisage any problems."
Keane's return more than compensates for the absence of Lee Carsley who has opted out of internationals to spend more time with his family.
After last month's win over the Czech Republic, the Everton player said he did not want to be considered by Republic boss Brian Kerr for the forseeable future.
Thirty-year-old Carsley said he wanted to concentrate on regaining a regular first team place at Goodison.
The remainder of the squad is along predictable lines with Hearts' Alan Maybury, Celtic's Liam Miller and Cardiff striker Alan Lee all retained after being involved against the Czechs.
Maybury could be in line to start once again after Tottenham full-back Stephen Carr was forced to pull out of the squad because of a back injury.
Rep of Ireland squad: Given (Newcastle), Colgan (Hibernian), Kenny (Sheff Utd), Maybury (Hearts), Cunningham (Birmingham), Doherty (Tottenham), Harte (Leeds), O'Brien (Newcastle), Breen (Sunderland), O'Shea (Man Utd), Miller (Celtic), Roy Keane (Man Utd), Reid (Nottm For), Holland (Charlton), Delap (Southampton), McAteer (Sunderland), Kinsella (West Brom), Kilbane (Everton), Duff (Chelsea), Lee (Cardiff), Connolly (West Ham), Robbie Keane (Tottenham), Morrison (Birmingham).