Fergie backs Keane's Republic return

Roy Keane’s international retirement U-turn had the full backing of Alex Ferguson and the Manchester United skipper insists his return to the Ireland fold is not a gamble.

Like Red Devils striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, Keane’s Old Trafford future has been the subject of intense speculation in recent weeks, with most pundits claiming his decision to play for Ireland in their forthcoming World Cup campaign has caused a major rift with Ferguson.