Former players laud return of legend
While France remain raging favourites to emerge from Ireland’s World Cup qualifying group, Keane’s presence against the European Champions has significantly increased our chances of qualifying for the 2006 World Cup, according to legendary defender Kevin Moran.
“If he comes back, it can only augur well for Ireland,” the former Manchester United and Irish international said yesterday. “The World Cup is coming up and Roy Keane in the setup gives Ireland a better chance for the qualifiers.
“I’m surprised it’s coming out now and he didn’t make himself available for the Euro qualifiers, but you have to look to the future. Roy Keane making himself available is good news for Brian Kerr,” the ex-Red, who won 71 Irish caps, said.
Ronnie Whelan echoed the sentiments of his former international teammate.
“When you have a player of Roy’s calibre, it was what everyone hoped would happened. He will give us an extra dimension in midfield.”
While some have raised the point that it might create ripples of discontent in the Irish camp, Whelan quickly countered such suggestions.
“Of the players who were upset by what happened at the World Cup, there are only two or three left and the players have accepted we have to move on.
“And if you look at the back, it is the one area we are lacking in the Irish team and when you have a player of Roy’s talent, you can play him there if you need to. Ireland will be a far better side with Roy Keane in the team.”
Cardiff City's Graham Kavanagh doesn’t believe Keane’s return will dampen team spirit. Kavanagh, who took Keane’s role in the match against Brazil, said that the Corkman’s qualities as a footballer override everything.
“He’s a top quality player, he did more than anyone to get us to the last World Cup. In all the Irish squads I have been in, Roy wasn’t mentioned. I thought we had moved on, nobody made an issue of it. It was never brought up. There are things said that certain players mightn’t get on with him, but I can’t see that being the case.”
Former Ireland striker Frank Stapleton believes that remains the case, but people will realise the value of Keane's return.
Stapleton said: “The fans will be as split as they were when Mick McCarthy lost his job.
“But a bit of time has gone by and the fact they have not qualified for Euro 2004 will remind people. It is a boost for Irish football. Forget the past. Any possibility that improves the chances of getting to the World Cup will be welcomed by the players.”
Keane will need to make peace with a number of Irish players but Stapleton believes his decision will be more problematic for Manchester United than for the Republic of Ireland.
Keane stated on announcing his retirement that he felt playing both international and top-flight football could prove too much for his body.
Stapleton added: “This could be more of a complication for Man United than Ireland. United are making sure he is always right for big matches and internationals could be around key matches.
“But I just think they will get on with it and agree. I am sure Alex Ferguson knows all about it.”
Ray Houghton believes Ireland need Keane back in their bid to progress towards Germany and the World Cup in 2006.
Houghton, another former Ireland midfielder, told Sky Sports News: “The timing is strange, there are no World Cup qualifiers until September, but after watching them recently against Brazil and the Czech Republic he’s maybe seen it’s the thing he’s been missing.
“Maybe he’s let them down in the past and has something to prove. He’s got considerable experience and they’ve been missing that. The players have got to be big enough to understand the decision and put dislikes behind them.
“He’s doing it for the good of the country.
“Players always feel let down when someone else comes in for big games, but he is a winner and I’m sure the other players will adhere to that.
“Brian Kerr intimated he would like him back. It is a major coup for him.
He added: “Once Roy gets back people will forget about that and want to qualify for the World Cup.”
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