Keane return boosts Irish

Robbie Keane missed the Republic of Ireland's win in Georgia

Republic of Ireland assistant boss Chris Hughton has said the addition of Robbie Keane will give the Irish a boost for Wednesday's Euro 2004 qualifier in Albania.

Keane missed Saturday's 2-1 victory over Georgia because he was spending time back home in Ireland following the death of his father on Monday.

But he is flying into Tirana to meet his international colleagues and will surely be in the team which takes on Albania.

Few people in the Ireland camp know Keane better that assistant manager Hughton, as he works with him on a daily basis in his capacity as first team coach at White Hart Lane.

"We are certainly looking forward to Robbie joining the squad, it will be a major boost," said Hughton.

"The fact he is prepared to jump on a flight and come and join the squad speaks volumes for him and for the squad.

"First and foremost is the fact he is coming, and any decision with regards to his selection is one for the manager.

"Robbie is a wonderful player. You really only get to know a player when you see him at close hand.

Robbie coming is massive for us

Gary Doherty

"Having seen Robbie play for his respective clubs and for Ireland before he joined Spurs I knew he was a good player.

"But when he came to Spurs it didn't take me long to realise he was an even better player than I had thought.

"The area which I was pleased with most was his movement.

"He is regarded as a player who plays off a target man, but he can play anywhere along the front line.

"His ability and sharpness are there for all to see and of course he has an eye for goal".

Another Tottenham player, utility man Gary Doherty, scored Ireland's winner in Georgia.

It is not inconceivable that manager Brian Kerr will drop Damian Duff back into midfield at the expense of Lee Carsley and pair Doherty with Keane in Tirana.

Kilbane knock

Doherty backed Hughton's assessment of the impact Keane's arrival will have on the squad.

"Robbie coming is massive for us," said Doherty.

"He is one of our best players, his goalscoring is frightening.

"I've never really played in matches with him.

"I think we played 20 minutes against Russia this season with him but at Spurs we've never really had an opportunity to play together".

Doherty is nursing a bruised ankle from Saturday's game and Kevin Kilbane had a slight problem with his groin but both players are expected to be fit for the Albania clash.