Roy Keane has adopted the role of father-figure to the younger players since returning to the Republic of Ireland set-up.
It is a responsibility he talked over with boss Brian Kerr in the summer when he looked at the prospect of ending his self-imposed international exile.
Kerr revealed: "In the last couple of days he has had an influence and an impact on the other players.
"I guess he has always played with fairly experienced players, but I would imagine this group is the youngest - or the least capped in many ways - compared to those he has played with in previous years.
"When you think about it, it's an obvious role for him to have, and I and the rest of the staff are more than happy to let the experienced players have that role."
The 33-year-old is back and ready to play what will be his first competitive away game for Ireland for three and a half years, with his last in Andorra in March 2001.
Filed by Barry McEneaney
