Keane rules out England return

Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane last night dismissed any prospect of a another return to the Premier League, insisting he does not miss England.

Keane will play line out for LA Galaxy in a friendly against Manchester United at the Pasadena Rose Bowl in the early hours of tomorrow morning and while he is looking forward to seeing some familiar faces he doesn’t “hanker” for the Premier League.

“I don’t hanker for England, not at all,” Keane said. “I speak to a lot of players in England, but my routine has completely changed.

“My summer is playing now and I have Christmas off. That is quite nice. I spent my first time in Ireland for 17 years at Christmas.

“I look forward to it again this Christmas. Going back is not something I have looked into.”

Meanwhile, Darron Gibson returned to action for the first time since last October last night.

The midfielder has been out of action since suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury while on international duty nine months ago.

But he made his return last night, coming on asa half-time substitute in Everton’s 2-2 friendly draw against Tranmere Rovers.