"My eyebrows were raised with thousands of others over Roy’s decision to end his self-imposed exile and decide to play for the Republic of Ireland again.
"I thought there was no going back on that one with Keano who, like Alan Shearer, is not known for back-tracking once his mind has been made up. He stands by every decision he has made - no matter how unpopular or controversial.
"But he’s thought long and hard about his future, and he knows, too, he has just one more chance to compete on the biggest stage in football, the World Cup.
"Roy loves his football and would play in every game if it was left to him. He’s in great shape and is a fitness fanatic. He will always believe he doesn’t need a rest. That’s why he’s been so frustrated when Sir Alex Ferguson has left him out.
"Sir Alex will have mixed feelings about the decision. He will be delighted for Roy in going back to his international roots. But he will also worry about the effects his extra involvement will have on his United performances."
Rent-a-quote Tommy Docherty says this in his M.E.N. column
Ireland have taken him back after the way the United captain behaved during the 2002 World Cup.
Playing for your country is an honour, especially at a tournament like the World Cup, so for Keane to walk out on his team-mates just days before their opening game in the competition and criticise the Irish FA and the manager Mick McCarthy in the way he did, was, in my eyes, simply unforgiveable.
And by asking him to return to the fold, I think the Irish FA and current boss Brian Kerr have stabbed McCarthy in the back.
And I wish I could be around for the first team get-together on Keane's return.
I'm not sure he will be welcomed back by many of the Irish lads who were in Japan and South Korea two years ago.
Well this is what SAF says (from yesterdays's R I news)
"How will Irish people look back on Roy’s career? By returning now, he will ensure that it’s remembered in the right way. That’s a good thing.
"Roy had to do this," said Ferguson. "I think his family have been a big influence. They would like to see him back playing for Ireland and there is an issue of how things will be viewed 20 years from now. How will Irish people look back on Roy’s career? By returning now, he will ensure that it’s remembered in the right way. That’s a good thing.
"From my point of view, it is 10 or 11 extra games for Roy over two seasons and I am going to have to deal with that. My feeling now is that generally I will not play Roy for Manchester United the weekend before and the weekend after he has played for Ireland. I just don’t think his body can stand up to that kind of schedule any more."