Duff backs Keane to return to fold

NO matter who is finally unveiled as the next Irish manager, Damien Duff hopes that Roy Keane can be persuaded to come back and play for Ireland.

The Blackburn player, in Dublin yesterday to promote a safe driving initiative, believes Keane's return will only bolster Irish chances of qualifying for Euro 2004

"The team will only benefit from Roy coming back into the team," he said. "He is the best player I have ever played with and one of the best in the world. And there is no doubt any return by Roy will boost our chances of recovering from our bad start."