Keane may tackle 'unfinished business'

THE tantalising prospect of Roy Keane lining out again for Ireland edged closer to reality yesterday when he hinted at a return to international football to complete "unfinished business".

"I've always said that I missed the international matches. Brian (Kerr) is doing things properly now, which I felt the previous manager wasn't doing. Physically I feel good and there will always be that part of me that feels there is unfinished business with Ireland," he said.

However, the Manchester United captain was concerned that coming out of international retirement might create a media frenzy that would unsettle Kerr's team.

"There is a part of me who believes I have unfinished business in international football, but it is not as simple as Roy Keane saying he wants to come back that would be a matter for Brian Kerr," the ex-Irish skipper said.

"The team are going along nicely under Brian and if I came back that might create a media frenzy that could upset the team."

Keane retired from international football in February last year, citing medical advice over his troublesome hip. As his display against Manchester City last Saturday illustrated, he remains one of the world's best midfielders in spite of that injury and his 32 years.

The reconstruction of the Irish team under Kerr continued on Wednesday night as Ireland silenced the samba drums in Lansdowne Road with a battling performance against Brazil.

Keane noted it was another sign the manager was taking the side in the right direction.

"I watched the game and thought they were unlucky not to win the match. They played very well. From an Irish point of view, they took the game to Brazil. I thought Kevin Kilbane played very well, the way he ran at the team."

There is an air of serenity about Keane these days that wasn't evident during his fractious relationship with Mick McCarthy.

He was the picture of contentment as he launched the second National Campaign for Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind in Dublin yesterday.

Whether he is going to be the player to lead Brian Kerr's team to Germany in 2006 is certain to be debated across the country in the coming days. Yet again.