Robbie wants Roy back in the fold for Georgia qualifier
The Manchester United captain has not been involved for his country since his bust-up with then manager Mick McCarthy just before the World Cup, but McCarthy's resignation from the post has opened the door for Keane's return.
And Robbie Keane would welcome the midfielder back and hopes it happens sooner rather than later.
"Roy Keane is one of the best players in the world and any team would want him in their side, and Ireland is no different," he said last night.
"I think we want to get things sorted out as soon as possible. We've got a game in March and hopefully it will be all sorted by then."
The Spurs forward expressed his sadness at McCarthy's exit and questioned the wisdom of those who criticised him so soon after Ireland had reached the last 16 of the World Cup.
"I've got a lot of respect for Mick McCarthy, he threw me in for my debut when I was 17 against one of the best sides in the world, Argentina. He had confidence and faith in me and it's a shame to see him go. But now we have to move on," Keane said.
And his views have been supported by former Irish 'keeper Alan Kelly who returns to league action today for the first time this season, still bristling over McCarthy's controversial exit.
Kelly said: "I am surprised at what has gone on. It has been absolutely mad. How somebody can lose a couple of games and be hounded out of a job is incredible to me.
"Arsene Wenger (the Arsenal manager) lost four out of five and no-one was saying that about him. When we came back from the World Cup we were well received with 100,000 people in Phoenix Park. For it to change in such a short period of time, I find it quite amazing.
"At the end of the day it was Mick's decision. He took it upon himself to say 'I am not going to stand any more of this messing about'.
"It has been an unfortunate period in Irish football but they are looking now for a new leader. That is what everyone wants. They want to stop talking about the issue that spoiled the World Cup for everyone."
Speculation that Philippe Troussier is a top contender for the Republic job rose yesterday with news China has appointed Arie Haan as its national team boss.
Troussier, 47, who led Japan to the last 16 of the 2002 World Cup finals, had been linked with the China post. He was unavailable for comment in Paris yesterday, where he is recovering from knee surgery. Japanese players valued the self-belief he brought to the squad, which enabled Japan to achieve its best-ever results.
Aside from the Troussier speculation, the rumour mill continued to confuse matters last night as two seperate stories clouded the managerial issue. The first surrounded Kenny Dalglish who was reported to be in Dublin for FAI talks, and the second concerned Ray Houghton, who was the subject of a major gamble that he would get the job, being backed from 40/1 in to 5/2 to secure the post.
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