Keane ready to play

Keane has Holland's Japp Stam on his knees in Dublin

BBC Sport Online's Lyle Jackson talks to Republic of Ireland captain Roy Keane.

Roy Keane has been named in the side for Saturday's World Cup play-off first leg against Iran.

But the most talked-about injury in Irish sport has continued to dominate the build-up to the big game.

And on Friday the Manchester United skipper broke his silence about his fitness.

I need to get through a game and see what it is like

Roy Keane

In a packed media conference at Lansdowne Road, Keane admitted his knee injury was troubling him.

''I am still not happy with it,'' he said.

''I have done a bit of physio and have completed a couple of training sessions.

''But I need to get through a game and see what it is like.

''Monday and Tuesday were not great but the last day or two it has not been too bad.

''We will just have to wait and see how the games against Iran go.

Sit out game

''If there is a reaction I will have to go back to the specialist.''

Keane revealed he had wanted to make his comeback in United's Premiership game against Liverpool last Sunday.

He rejected suggestions that United manager Sir Alex Ferguson had let him sit out that game to be fit for the Republic.

''I would never miss a United match. Every game is important.

''Sir Alex has been brilliant about it. He knows how important this match is.

''The Liverpool match just came too soon for me.''

It will make them better players at club and international level

Roy Keane

Keane said the Republic's squad desperately needed to play in a major finals.

The Irish have lost their last three play-offs, falling at the last hurdle on the paths to Euro 96, the 1998 World Cup in France, and last year's European Championships in Belgium and Holland.

''I was fortunate to play in the World Cup in 1994,'' said Keane.

''If we make it this time I would be most happy for the other players.

''They deserve it and they need to go to a major finals.

''It will make them better players at club and international level.

''We have done well in our qualifying group but it will all be wasted if we do not beat Iran over two legs.

Overused

''Iran will be desperate to win as well.''

Keane said the previous play-off failures were history and had no bearing on the games against Iran.

''Patience is going to be the key. It is over 180 minutes.

''The job will not be done on Saturday night.

''It is a different type of pressure.

''But pressure is an overused word. These are matches you should enjoy.''