Return of the king: Keane gives Ireland that extra edge
However fraught that journey may become, it won't be littered with the lingering lenses that the Manchester United skipper had to negotiate last night at Lansdowne Road.
Romania may no longer be the Ceaucescu outpost of yore, but its football team isn't such a draw that they can attract more than 40,000 fans and a gaggle of cameramen to Dublin for an end-of-season international. Only Roy Keane can do that.
"People haven't forgotten the contribution Roy has made to Irish football, so the reception he received was justified.
"He could have been man of the match. He set the tone for the game, alongside Mattie Holland," said manager Brian Kerr.
It was the 59th occasion Keane had pulled on his country's shirt and if the surreal was provided by one Corkman, the sensational was on offer from another Leesider, man-of-the-match Liam Miller.
Kenny Cunningham retained the captain's armband, but 42,000 necks craned for the arrival of Ireland's lost leader onto the pitch. A sprinkling of jeers quickly gave way to cheers.
Within eight minutes, he had bulldozed his way through to create Ireland's first chance. In the second period he almost supplied the definitive Roy of the Rovers headline, but perhaps a goal was asking too much.
Virtually lost in the haze was another Irish victory, as Brian Kerr's men stretched their run to one defeat in 15 games.
Keane's midfield partner Holland volleyed the winner in the last five minutes.
"I've always said with Roy in the side we have a better chance and that's what we're here for, we want to qualify for the big tournaments," said Holland.
The 32-year-old Man Utd captain's last appearance for his country came in a friendly at home to Nigeria two years ago, before Saipan and its momentous fallout.
Last night's match was also a landmark occasion for the other Keane in the squad Tottenham striker Robbie, who made his 50th international appearance.
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