Keane on course for comeback

2004-04-26 15:46

Dublin - Roy Keane came through his first training session with the Republic of Ireland ahead of Wednesday's friendly against Poland in Bydgoszcz.

The Manchester United skipper is set to play for Ireland for the first time since he stormed home from Japan before the 2002 World Cup finals following a bust-up with then manager Mick McCarthy.

Midfielder Keane faces final treatment on a slight hamstring strain before current boss Brian Kerr makes his final decision on the team.

"There have been no reception parties, players just come and join in, it's as simple as that," said Kerr.

"There have been no problems, Roy is going back to the team hotel now and we'll see how his injury is. It's his call, he knows his own body and I'm sure he'll make the right decision."

Kerr has lost Charlton skipper Matt Holland with a back injury, West Ham striker David Connolly with a knee problem while Robbie Keane will not travel with the party after suffering a head injury in Sunday's north London derby against Arsenal.

However, the Tottenham striker might yet fly directly to Poland to join up with the team tomorrow.

Three players have been added to Kerr's squad on Monday, which now totals 20.

Controversy erupted

Coventry pair Graham Barrett and Michael Doyle have been called up along with Ireland's top striker, Jason Byrne of Shelbourne, who is also a first cousin of Robbie Keane.

It means that seven of the travelling party were in Saipan with Roy Keane when controversy erupted before the World Cup finals in Japan and Korea.

They are Shay Given, Andy O'Brien, current skipper Kenny Cunningham, Mark Kinsella, Stephen Reid, Ian Harte and Clinton Morrison.

Since Kerr announced his original squad there have been several withdrawals. At the weekend Kerr also lost Jason McAteer, Damien Duff and Gary Breen in addition to Stephen Carr, Paddy Kenny, Kevin Kilbane and Rory Delap..

The manager called up Blackburn duo Jonathan Douglas and Reid, plus Alan Quinn and Monday's three new additions.

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- AFP