How will Irish squad react to Roy's return?

If Kerr could win vital matches, like the European Championship qualifiers with Russia and Switzerland, he might already have the freedom to the city of Dublin. But his failure in serious competitive games means Keane, 32, will not be returning until the World Cup qualifying campaign, starting at home to Cyprus in September.

Keane was outstanding in the qualifiers three years ago when he led his country in the four undefeated games against Holland and Portugal and dragged them through mediocre displays against Cyprus, Estonia and Andorra.

He was a world-class captain who had earned his right to play in Japan and South Korea before a moment of madness threw it all away. He criticised the team's preparations and when McCarthy held clear-the-air talks with the squad in Saipan, that meeting quickly descended into a slanging match.

Given a choice between Keane and McCarthy, many players made their feelings known - and although some of those feelings were private, Keane must still face those he might regard as enemies. He was sent home but the main figures involved in his ugly departure have since left the squad. McCarthy is employed by Sunderland while Niall Quinn, Steve Staunton and Alan Kelly, who all stood beside their manager, retired after the penalty shoot- out defeat to Spain.

One figure among the 18 players who still remain from the World Cup squad is Sunderland captain Jason McAteer. He stood squarely in the McCarthy camp. Yesterday, McAteer expertly fielded calls over Keane's decision. ' The phone has never stopped,' he said. 'The only people who haven't called me are Reuters and that's because they're busy with Iraq.'

Although Keane has discussed his pending international return with Ferguson, the news will cause consternation for his club boss, one of the few who was relieved when he quit the Republic.

Keane will continue to pick his games, an issue which will raise eyebrows among a squad who depart for Poland shortly.

That match in Bydgoszcz on April 28 has caused concern among Premiership managers who are being forced to release their players for four days at a crucial time for a friendly between two sides who have failed to qualify for the Euro 2004 finals. And Fergie will not expect Keane to be on the plane.

The midfield star will have to address such a key issue when he eventually teams up with the Ireland squad. But he will have the chance to redeem himself, to make amends to the Irish public.

And with the Cork-born maverick back in the fold, national expectations will rise and Kerr will again have the public's rapt attention.