Keane must be available for friendlies, Kerr tells Fergie

ALEX FERGUSON has been told he must get used to Roy Keane playing in friendly matches for the Republic of Ireland.

Republic manager Brian Kerr stressed yesterday it would not be practical for Keane to return to the international team for the first World Cup qualifier in September, saying the Manchester United captain had to play in one or two friendlies first.

There have been suggestions Ferguson is unhappy about Keane playing in friendlies, but Kerr said the United boss had no choice but to accept it.