Keane in line for Swiss return

Roy Keane will tonight suprisingly link up with the Republic of Ireland squad ahead of a potential return against Switzerland on Wednesday.

It was believed Keane would miss both of Ireland’s opening World Cup qualifying games after recently fracturing two ribs, with the combative midfielder not expected to return to action until later this month.

Although Keane missed the Group Four triumph against Cyprus at Lansdowne Road yesterday, with manager Brian Kerr’s side running out easy 3-0 winners, the 33-year-old has made sufficient progress to now be included in the squad for the match with the Swiss in Basle.

The Manchester United star is to fly out to Dublin later today and tomorrow join in a morning training session before the squad then travel to Switzerland in the afternoon.

Kerr said: “When Roy withdrew from the squad almost immediately on its announcement, we had discussions with him and Manchester United about the possibility he could return from his rib injury in time for the second match of our programme.

“It was agreed to keep the matter under review but make no public comment.

“Earlier this week, Roy began light training with his club and has made considerable progress and so will now report to the Irish squad in preparation for the match in Basle.

“Roy will travel to Dublin this evening and we expect him to be available for selection on Wednesday.

“I would like to thank Manchester United and manager Sir Alex Ferguson for their cooperation on the matter.”

If Keane is fully fit then he will almost certainly go straight into the starting line-up against Switzerland, which will mean either Everton’s Kevin Kilbane or Cardiff’s Graham Kavanagh making way, despite both performing well against the Cypriots.