Keane back to his best, Kerr

Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr believes Roy Keane is back to his best - and at a critical time for his side.

Keane was probably looking forward to squaring up to old adversary Patrick Vieira in tomorrow’s Group Four World Cup qualifier.

But the France skipper is suspended following his dismissal for two bookable offences in the 2-0 victory over the Faroe Islands last month.

It means Keane is up against an untried central midfield pairing of former Leeds player Olivier Dacourt, now with Roma, and Bordeaux’s Rio Antonio Mavuba, who has just one cap to his name, at the Stade de France.

It would have been a different story if it had been the Keane who faced Switzerland in Basle a month ago as the Manchester United star returned from a rib injury.

Keane was clearly out of sorts in the first half before a much more accomplished second-period display, and now after several club games under his belt since then, is back firing on all cylinders.

“I thought the last game he played for us against Switzerland he had a good second half and he became sharper as the game went on and recognised that himself,” assessed Kerr.

“We’re really pleased he has played so many matches since and he looks in great form. I saw the game against Spurs recently and he played really well.

“Of course, we’re delighted with the way he’s been playing. He is back to his old form of getting around the pitch and getting forward as well. It is a boost for us.”

Under-pressure France coach Raymond Domenech has made six changes to a team who were unimpressive against the Faroes, with eight of the players to face Ireland either past or present stars of the Premiership.

Despite such familiarity, there is concern in French quarters at the number of changes to a team which has come under fire for poor performances under Domenech in their opening two qualifying matches as the Faroes result followed a goalless home draw to Israel.

Kerr, though, again reiterated the undeniable quality of the French, adding: “You look at the experience of the team and there are so many players familiar to us.

“There are only three not very familiar to the general public, but I don’t think it’s an issue because they are good players in a good team and they will find a way with it.

“So is this a good time to play France? I don’t know. Maybe the best time to play them is when they are out of a competition.

“But they are still in this one and it’s always a daunting enough task to come here and play against a team with such tradition, great technical ability and with such fabulous players.

“Obviously we don’t fear anyone – we respect them all. But we’re here to do a job and we’re well prepared.”