Keane comeback inspires win over Romania

Republic of Ireland 1 Romania 0

Roy Keane took just eight minutes to announce that he was back for the Republic of Ireland.

The Manchester United captain caused a wave of excitement when he made a storming run from midfield to the right edge of the area before delivering a dangerous low cross-cum-shot which the goalkeeper did well to block as Clinton Morrison charged in on the line.

Although it did not produce a goal, it was a perfect example of what the Irish had been missing during Keane’s two-year international exile, which came to an end at Lansdowne Road when he stepped out for this friendly against Romania.

A Keane-inspired Ireland won 1-0 thanks to a fine volley from Charlton skipper Matt Holland after 85 minutes.

You usually know when you are in the presence of greatness and everyone in the crowd of 42,356 at this match in Dublin would have had that feeling long before kick-off.

It proved a night to enjoy and remember and all that was missing was a goal for the hero, although he came agonisingly close to getting one.

With Kenny Cunningham retaining the captain’s armband Keane was the last player in the Irish line-up which emerged from the tunnel five minutes before kick-off.

Any jeers from those fans who did not want him back were drowned out by the cheers and when a chorus of “Keano” rang around the ground the Manchester United midfielder turned and applauded each section of the crowd.

Their first mighty cheer came seconds after the kick-off as Clinton Morrison passed to Keane for his first touch, and that proved to be the theme of the early stages, with the early highlight coming in the shape of the 32-year-old’s superb run.

With all the Keane business finally settled, it was time for Brian Kerr’s men to try and continue their run of just one defeat during the 14 matches in which he has been in charge.

They were up against a nation who humbled Germany 5-1 in their last outing, and they looked dangerous even though this was a much-changed Romania side with most of the star names missing.

Roy Keane’s return overshadowed the fact that it was also a landmark occasion for the other Keane in the squad – Tottenham striker Robbie.

The 23-year-old earned his 50th cap, and was hoping to mark the night in Dublin with a hat-trick which would see him overtake Niall Quinn’s tally of 21 and become the country’s record goalscorer.

Robbie Keane wasted one good chance to move to within one of Quinn when he shot straight at the goalkeeper after 21 minutes before another fine Irish move deserved a goal after 34 minutes.

Andy Reid picked out Robbie Keane at the far right post and, when he squared the ball back across the face of goal, it was lucky for Romania that Morrison was just too deep to turn it home.

Roy Keane had played a part in that move and he looked to be enjoying himself in a midfield which included two youngsters with whom he had never played - Nottingham Forest’s Reid and his new Old Trafford team-mate Liam Miller.

The script was almost completed after 50 minutes when he came within inches of scoring.

Morrison did well on the right and delivered a low cross for Robbie Keane.

His first-time low drive was pushed away by substitute goalkeeper Bogdan Stelea and when Roy Keane followed up he too was denied by a good block.

A break in play after 69 minutes allowed Roy Keane to take a well-earned drink of water and you wondered if he was soon to depart the arena but he wanted to stay until the end of this particular party.

Ireland’s joyous night was completed when they scored the winning goal after 85 minutes.

Morrison crossed from the right and Holland hit a peach of a volley which crept inside the bottom far corner of the net. The win went hand in hand with a fourth clean sheet in five matches.

The only surprise in the final minute was the announcement of the Eircom man-of-the-match – not Roy Keane but Miller.

Still, it was obvious who the real winner of the night was and the fans were still chanting his name long after the final whistle.