Doherty welcomes the return of Keane

IRELAND’S match-winning hero Gary Doherty will lead the welcoming committee for Robbie Keane in Tirana today even if it could mean he will be relegated to the substitutes’ bench.

Doherty contributed a precious goal and a full-blooded, committed performance to Ireland's cause in difficult circumstances in Tiblisi but insisted he will willingly step down to make way for Keane if Brian Kerr so chooses.

"I know that Robbie is one of our best players so I'm going to be as happy as any of the supporters just to see him come back and I'll happily move aside if that needs be."