Vieira welcomes Roy’s return

ROY KEANE’S return to international football with Ireland was welcomed yesterday by the outstanding French midfielder, Patrick Vieira.

Vieira, outstanding for France in both Euro 2004 matches against England and Croatia, said he had always enjoyed his battles with Keane and said the United skipper had urged him to appeal a booking he received in one match against United after the pair had clashed in midfield.

Vieira said: “It’s very good for Ireland and Roy Keane that he has returned to international football. He’s been so important for Ireland for more than 10 years and I know he will be again.”

Vieira was speaking at a media conference at the French training centre in Santo Tirso, in the north of the country on the day after France had drawn with Croatia. He took time out to swap a few words with the small group of Irish journalists present.

He laughed when mention was made of Keane and said: “It was a great shame that somebody that young had stopped playing for their country for whatever reason.

“He’s a fantastic player when he gets the ball and a very crucial person for Manchester United and Ireland. As a midfielder, captain and leader there is no doubt that he is one of the best.”

Vieria and Keane have regularly clashed during the Premiership contests. The popular belief is that they are bitter opponents, but Vieira revealed that this is a long way removed from the truth.

“I enjoy playing against Roy because we always have a tough battle but a fair battle. I don’t know him on a personal level but we have always got on really well on the pitch.

“There has never been any animosity between us during games and nothing nasty has happened,” said Vieira.

“There is a mutual respect for each other and we joke during games. And when I was sent off against Man Utd at Old Trafford last September Roy came up to me and said: ‘You must appeal, you must appeal.’ I wish him well.”