Republic of Ireland managerial hopeful Philippe Troussier has said he would make it a priority to bring Roy Keane back to international football.

The Frenchman did not think it would be a "major problem" to get the Manchester United star back in an Irish jersey.

"The problem seems bigger within Ireland but for people outside Ireland and for me in France it seems theoretically straight-forward," Troussier told Dublin radio station Newstalk106.

"He is one of the best players in the world, he plays for one of the best clubs in the world and he's Irish - so he should play for Ireland."

The Football Association of Ireland's managerial advisor Bryan Hamilton is understood to have included Troussier's name on a short-list for the job.

Roy Keane: Admired by Troussier

Troussier, who managed Japan at last year's World Cup finals, has never been to Ireland but he is expected to travel to Dublin next week for an interview.

"I could bring my own experience and philosophy to the team," said the Frenchman.

"That would be very new for Ireland who have always had a particular way of playing the game".

Troussier added that he was "confident" Ireland could still qualify for Euro 2004 despite their opening two defeats by Russia and Switzerland.

Meanwhile, one newspaper report on Saturday claimed that Bryan Robson would propose Roy Keane as his assistant manager when he is interviewed for the Irish job next week.

However, Keane has stated on a number of occasions that he has no intention of taking any managerial role for another three or four years so the Irish Examiner claim looks extremely dubious.

In addition, Keane has made clear on numerous occasions his distaste for friendlies so the idea that he would be available to turn up for every game looks highly remote.