Keane’s return for Macedonia tie put on ice

ROBBIE KEANE is on course to make a return to the Republic of Ireland side for the vital European Championship Qualifier against Macedonia on March 26 after visiting an ice chamber.

The West Ham striker suffered a nightmare start to his career at Upton Park when he picked up a calf injury in just his second game against Birmingham and was originally ruled out for six weeks.

The east London club then revealed Keane hoped to back within a month, but the news came as a major blow to both his club and country.

The Republic of Ireland skipper was forced to withdraw from the squad which beat Wales 3-0 in the Nations Cup last week.

But the former Tottenham striker has taken extra measures to ensure he is back in action soon by visiting an ice chamber to speed up his recovery.

The Tottenham squad have also used the chamber where the temperature is below -130C and the blood supply is faster, bringing more oxygen to the injured area.

Players are asked to wear special clothing which includes putting grips over thighs and arms, tucking the bandages into socks and gloves for protection while headbands are also used to cover ears and white clogs are put on the players’ feet.

Keane’s West Ham team-mate Jack Collison, who has also missed the entire season after undergoing knee surgery last summer, accompanied Keane yesterday.

The news will come as a major boost to Republic of Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni who is keen to field his strongest team for the game against Macedonia.