O'Shea supports Keane return

John O’Shea has given his full backing to Manchester United team-mate Roy Keane’s international return.

The young defender is set to play in the same side as Keane for the first time on Wednesday when Brian Kerr’s men take on Poland in Bydgoszcz.

As a relative newcomer to the national side, O’Shea only has second hand accounts of Keane’s dramatic World Cup walk-out in Saipan, when he stormed home after launching a volley of verbal abuse at coach Mick McCarthy.

Two years on and with McCarthy now replaced by Kerr, Keane offered to return to the fold.

And though opinion is still divided over whether the 32-year-old midfielder’s olive branch should have been accepted, Kerr had little hesitation in naming him in his squad at the earliest possible opportunity.

There may yet be some bridges to build with the members of the squad he shunned so dramatically, but O’Shea is adamant Keane should be part of the team aiming to reach the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

“I am delighted to have him back,” said the 22-year-old.

“He will be just as important to Ireland as he is to Manchester United, particularly in midfield where we have a few young, talented lads.

“The likes of Andy Reid, Liam Miller, Stephen Reid and, when he is fit, Colin Healy will have the chance to pick up so much experience. When you learn from Roy Keane, you are learning from the best in the business.”

Kerr has been careful not to rock the boat too much and has opted to retain Kenny Cunningham as skipper, even though Keane’s experience in the role vastly outweighs that of the Birmingham defender.

And even though the possibility of friction is something that has crossed O’Shea’s mind, he is sure between them Kerr and Keane can iron out any problems.

“I am sure the two of them will have spoken about it and it’s something they will deal with when the situation arises,” he said.

“When the team meets up, probably there will be something that happens which deals with Roy coming back. I’m sure Brian is clever enough to know what to do.

“I just think it is great news for Ireland and I am really looking forward to the game next week.

“Hopefully everything will go well and we can start concentrating on the football again.”