Roy Keane has suggested that he may yet return to play for the Republic of Ireland. The Manchester United captain announced his retirement from Republic of Ireland duty last week, blaming a string of major injuries in recent years. However, in an interview to the Sunday Times, the Manchester United skipper said there was a possibility he could return to play for Brian Kerr's side: "Speaking to Brian was good, and as we were finishing our conversation, he said `You never know what could happen down the road'. I believe that, still think `Never say never'. There are people who placed bets on Roy Keane never playing for Ireland again: if I were the bookies I wouldn't pay out just yet. The Champions League games that Manchester United play mean it is not feasible just now. What would happen if I was at a club that wasn't playing in Europe? You never know."
Meanwhile, Keane revealed that fear of needing a hip replacement later in life forced him to make his decision to quit the international scene. Keane recovered only recently from his latest injury - which required a hip operation - and he says the seriousness of the problem caused him to re-evaluate his role with the Republic. The Corkman said: "What I liked about talking to the surgeon was that he was not employed by United - and I believe he would have given me the same advice if I was Roy Keane, a guy who had walked in off the street. He talked about the likelihood of a hip replacement at a very young age and asked me about life after football. Is it important to you, Roy, to play tennis with your kids? Do you want to be able to go for a run in the park?"
Filed by James Boylan.
