Holland backs Keane return

FOOTBALL FOCUS Football Focus Saturday, 1210 BST, BBC One

Matt Holland has welcomed former captain Roy Keane's decision to resume playing for the Republic of Ireland.

Manchester United skipper Keane announced his return to the Ireland scene earlier this week after two years in international exile.

"Roy's one of the best players that Ireland has ever produced," Holland told BBC One's Football Focus.

"With him in the side we have certainly got a bigger chance of qualifying for the 2006 World Cup in Germany."

Holland was part of the Republic of Ireland squad Keane walked out on after a row with then boss Mick McCarthy at the 2002 World Cup.

He said: "It was a shame the way things turned out. But Roy made his decision then to do what he did and has made his decision now to come back.

"The World Cup qualifiers start in September and if he's around for those then certainly it will give us a massive chance of qualifying for Germany.

"Roy played a massive and significant part in getting Ireland to the last World Cup. Some of his displays against Holland and Portugal were outstanding."

Watch Saturday's Football Focus to see this interview in full.