Keane poised to return and give Trap a boost

ROBBIE KEANE looks set to give Giovanni Trapattoni a major boost ahead of the Republic of Ireland’s crucial Euro 2012 qualifier with Macedonia after being named in the West Ham United squad for the FA Cup game with Stoke City tomorrow.

Keane has been out with a calf problem for several weeks but could be in line to return against Stoke at the Brittania Stadium.

Trapattoni names his Ireland squad on Monday for the March 26 game, with Keane likely to be included if he comes through the weekend unscathed.

“Robbie is better than he was. I think we need to see on Saturday but he will be available on Sunday,’’ Hammers boss Avram Grant revealed yesterday. “Robbie came in at a very hard time for the team when we had a lot of injuries, played well and then got injured.

“He was important for us in the short term. He is a good player to have in the dressing room as well and I just hope he will be fit and okay now.”

Grant feels Keane’s arrival and that of Demba Ba has inspired Carlton Cole, Freddie Sears and Victor Obinna.

“There is always a place for a good player but the competition is very good for us and for all the players.

“We didn’t mention the ones here before, like Carlton Cole. Since Robbie and Demba Ba came, he has scored a lot of goals and Freddie is also doing very well, Victor Obinna too, so the competition is good.’’