Comeback kid withdraws

BRIAN KERR refused to take anything but a positive view of Roy Keane's 11th hour withdrawal as Ireland travelled from Dublin yesterday for tomorrow's friendly with Poland.

He stressed the change of plan was a postponement of the return of the 32-year-old to international action after a 23-month absence.

Kerr had spoken of Keane's hamstring problems after a squad training session yesterday at Malahide. And at Dublin Airport, he confirmed that a review with Ireland's medical staff caused all parties to agree Keane should return to Manchester for treatment.