Keane confirms Ireland return

Keane, who has not played for his country since his walkout prior to the 2002 World Cup, decided to come back into the international fold after talks with Ireland boss Brian Kerr.

The Cork man had been in international exile since his infamous bust-up in Saipan with former manager Mick McCarthy just before the start of the 2002 World Cup.

The inspirational midfielder had hinted that he would return to play for his country after McCarthy left the post, but revealed his fitness prevented him from playing for his club and country.

A statement from Keane's representative Michael Kennedy read: "Following discussions with Brian Kerr and Alex Ferguson, Roy Keane has agreed to make himself available for selection for international games in the future."

Kerr was delighted to include Keane in his plans for the future.

"Since our initial meeting following my appointment 15 months ago, when the player had clearly indicated his desire to play for Ireland, we have been in occasional contact.

"The issue for him was establishing a basis by which his club, Manchester United, would facilitate that desire. Roy Keane had to resolve that problem himself.

"A number of weeks ago, I spoke about the fact that there were some Irish players playing at the top level who had chosen, for a variety of reasons, to retire from international football.

"Playing for the international team is demanding. It involves hard work when you are free of your contractual obligations with your club.

"It involves working with a different management team that has set ideas which may well be different to those which you experience at the club.

"To represent your country is, however, to my judgement, the greatest honour any athlete can experience.

"It was for that reason I wanted all those players who had retired early to know that it would be possible to make themselves available again in the event that they ever had a change of heart.

"I am glad that one of the greatest players ever to play for Ireland has chosen this path. It cannot have been an easy decision for him but his desire to represent his country is immense.

"We met last week and discussed everything about his decision in great detail.

"He had addressed the issue with his club before that meeting and they are aware of his decision to make himself available for international duty with immediate effect.

"I look forward to working with Roy Keane. He brings quality and experience to a potentially excellent squad of players whose sole focus is the World Cup qualifying matches next autumn."

The news will be a major boost to Kerr ahead of the 2006 World Cup qualifiers in September and he could even return in the friendly in Poland later this month.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson backed Keane's decision to return to international football and has no worries that it might affect his United career.

"I'm pleased for Roy. He's made a good decision for all parties concerned. I think it is a good decision for them," said Ferguson.

"There has been some dialogue between Brian and Roy in the last couple of weeks, and they have come to the feeling this was a good time to go back in order to qualify for the next World Cup."

"In this case I would say it is a very good decision for Roy - and I support it 100 percent."