`Taking away his international duties has given Roy Keane an opportunity when he can get a break. We have sent him away this week, given him four or five days off, so he can rest and get ready for our next game against Charlton.
`He has already shown the benefits of rest. He had a good summer, prepared himself really well, kept his training regime going and kept himself fresh. We have seen the results of that and hopefully he's back to being Roy Keane.
`Last year Alan Shearer had what was perhaps one of his best seasons and it's no coincidence that he doesn't have the strain and pressure of international football any more, does not have to spend all that time away from home and looks far more relaxed.'