Roy Keane will return to the Republic of Ireland team, according to his biographer.

Eamon Dunphy, in his Irish Star newspaper column, suggested that the Manchester United midfielder would be influenced by the legions of fans who want him to make an international comeback.

Keane met new Republic manager Brian Kerr in Manchester last week.

The player was said to be consulting with his family, club boss Sir Alex Ferguson and the medical staff at Manchester United before reaching a decision.

Ferguson has stated that he would prefer Keane to announce his international retirement and concentrate solely on club football.

At that stage Irish bookmakers Paddy Power stopped taking bets as punters piled money on Keane never playing for Ireland again.

However, Dunphy felt the wishes of the supporters could sway Keane.

"I think he will come back for the genuine fans, including his own family, who are real football people," wrote Dunphy.

"I can see where Roy is coming from. He does not want to sour his relationship with the Irish public.

"Now that Mick McCarthy has gone, Roy's return would be a vindication of sorts."