Prodigal son Keane’s return has Kerr purring

A GENTLE ‘thank you’ pat on the head from manager Brian Kerr to Roy Keane was enough to prove to the 42,356 Lansdowne Road crowd that the prodigal son of Irish football had been forgiven.

Matt Holland's 85th minute winner ensured Kerr's run of 15 games with just one defeat continued as Romania became the latest victim in the rehabilitation of Irish football.

"I was delighted not just with the reception Roy received - but indeed the entire team as we fully deserved this victory," said Kerr.