Keane move boosts World Cup chances, says Moran

Republic of Ireland legend Kevin Moran believes the return of Roy Keane has significantly increased his country’s chances of qualifying for the 2006 World Cup.

Manchester United midfielder Keane today announced his decision to make himself available once again after nearly two years of international exile.

Keane has not played for Ireland since storming out of a pre-World Cup training camp following a bust-up with then boss Mick McCarthy in 2002.

The 33-year-old later announced his retirement from international football stating that the rigours of representing Ireland and playing top-flight domestic football were too much.

But now, following discussions with new boss Brian Kerr, Keane has agreed to put the past behind him and rejoin the country for their World Cup qualifiers, which start this autumn.

Moran, who won 71 caps in the Ireland defence, told Sky Sports News: “If he comes back, it can only augur well for Ireland.

“The World Cup is coming up and Roy Keane in the set-up gives Ireland a better chance for the qualifiers.

“I’m surprised it’s coming out now and he didn’t make himself available for the Euro qualifiers, but you have got to look to the future.

“I think Roy Keane making himself available is good news for Brian Kerr.”

Keane criticised McCarthy and some of his team-mates following his much-publicised walk-out prior to the World Cup in the Far East.

In return some of the players made their feelings about Keane known and opinion amongst fans on the situation was divided.

Former Ireland striker Frank Stapleton believes that remains the case but ultimately people will realise the value of the player’s return.

Stapleton said: “I think the fans will be as split as they were when Mick McCarthy lost his job.

“But a bit of time has gone and the fact they have not qualified for Euro 2004 will remind people. It is a boost for Irish football, forget what happened in the past.

“I think any possibility that improves chances of getting to the World Cup finals, the players will welcome it.”

Another ex-Ireland international, former Liverpool midfielder Ray Houghton, accepts some players will be unhappy with the decision but believes they will come round.

Houghton said: “I think the timing is strange, there are no World Cup qualifiers until September, but after watching them recently against Brazil and the Czech Republic he’s maybe seen it’s the thing he’s been missing.

“Maybe he’s let them down in the past and has something to prove. He’s got considerable experience and they’ve been missing that.

“The players have got to be big enough to understand the decision and got to put dislikes behind them. He’s doing it for the good of the country.

“Players always feel let down when someone else comes in for big games, but he is a winner and I’m sure the other players will adhere to that.”

Derby defender Jeff Kenna, who won the last of his 27 Ireland caps four years ago, is also pleased to see Keane back.

“I’m surprised, but from a fans’ point of view, it is fantastic news,” he said.

“To have a player of his calibre is a great boost for the squad as a whole. I am sure Brian will have spoken to the older players in the squad and if he felt it would be detrimental he would not come back.

“As far as I’m concerned it is great news.”