Neville goal closes gap on Chelsea
While the welcome return of Roy Keane to the Irish fold is a testament to the negotiating skills and professionalism of new coach Brian Kerr, the ability of the combative midfielder to sustain a renewed international career after his shock retirement U-turn was called into question by his absence from the United line-up last night.
As Keane nursed the bumps and bruises picked up 11 days ago in the season-saving FA Cup semi-final win over Arsenal, his stand-in Gary Neville made his mark on a momentous day in equally surprising fashion, lashing home his first goal of the campaign as United cut the gap on leaders Arsenal to 10 points and, more importantly, on second-placed Chelsea to three.
