Morrison hails 'class act' Keane

Clinton Morrison gave a player’s insight into just how much Roy Keane’s decision to come out of retirement and return to international football meant to the Republic of Ireland.

Keane ended his two-year exile when he starred in last night’s 1-0 victory over Romania at Lansdowne Road, a game sealed by Matt Holland’s 85th-minute volley.

Birmingham striker Morrison said: “Roy is a class act. What can you say about Roy? It is a joy to be on the same pitch as him. He is great at helping the younger players like myself because he was always talking to me telling me what I should be doing.”

While that was the view of one of the younger men in the squad, the more experienced voice of Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given said it was a relief that Keane’s comeback was finally out of the way.

“I don’t think Roy’s return had that much affect on the team,” said Given. “He was in and he played well and added something to the team.

“I’m glad it’s out of the way because there obviously was a lot of attention surrounding it. It’s water under the bridge now and we can concentrate on the games coming up.”

Ireland boss Brian Kerr said he thought Keane would himself also be relieved this match was over and done with.

“I am sure he is relieved to be back and relieved to have got that match under his belt,” said Kerr. “In the two years it hasn’t been easy for him to make that decision.

“I am sure it wasn’t an easy decision for him to make but he has made it, not just for himself but in the interests of the game and the interests of the team.”

Kerr also called on Irish fans to back the entire team, after a small minority jeered Keane.

“It is two years and it is time for us to move on, and I don’t want anyone to have any negative feelings,” said Kerr. “I can understand that, but for the sake of the game, for the sake of the team, and for the good of Irish football, it is important that everybody supports the whole team.

“I am delighted to have him back and it was like having a new player coming into the squad.”

Meanwhile, FIFA have granted the Football Association of Ireland permission to use temporary seating at Lansdowne Road for Ireland’s home qualifying games for World Cup 2006.

The world governing body based its decision on the fact that the Irish Government was committed to helping the FAI build a new stadium for 2008.