Keane returns to Republic squad

Roy Keane has returned to the Republic of Ireland squad for the forthcoming crunch World Cup qualifying showdown against France at Lansdowne Road on September 7.

Keane was rested for the friendly against Italy in Dublin 12 days ago, with Republic manager Brian Kerr happy for the Manchester United midfielder to sit out the 2-1 defeat.

The inspirational 34-year-old is included in a 23-man line-up for what is being seen as a pivotal clash in Group Four, which Ireland currently head from Switzerland, Israel and the French, with just three points separating the four teams.

Tottenham striker and Ireland’s all-time leading scorer Robbie Keane will return to the side after missing the game with Italy with an ankle injury, while Wigan midfielder Graham Kavanagh also comes into contention.

Kavanagh returned home the day before the match against Marcello Lippi’s Azzurri after failing to shake off a heel injury sustained in pre-season, but is now fit again, playing his first match of the campaign on Saturday in Wigan’s 1-0 home win over Sunderland

Republic of Ireland squad to face France in the Group Four World Cup qualifying match at Lansdowne Road, Dublin, on September 7.

Given (Newcastle), Kenny (Sheff Utd), Colgan (Dundee United), Harte (Levante), Finnan (Liverpool), Cunningham (Birmingham), Carr (Newcastle), O’Brien (Portsmouth), Doherty (Norwich), Dunne (Manchester City), Breen (Sunderland), Holland (Charlton), O’Shea, Roy Keane, Miller (all Manchester United), Kilbane (Everton), Kavanagh (Wigan), A Reid (Tottenham), S Reid (Blackburn), Duff (Chelsea), Robbie Keane (Tottenham), Morrison (Crystal Palace), Elliott (Sunderland).