Keane to kick up a storm

Roy Keane has declared himself fit after three weeks sidelined by hamstring and knee problems and is ready to take out his frustrations…

Roy Keane has declared himself fit after three weeks sidelined by hamstring and knee problems and is ready to take out his frustrations on Sturm Graz tonight.

Keane, whose last European game was Manchester United's memorable semi-final against Juventus in Turin, has stepped up his training in recent days and is ready to return to United's midfield engine room.

Keane could only watch from the stands at Old Trafford as the Treble winners began the defence of their crown with a disappointing stalemate against Croatia Zagreb last Tuesday.

The Republic of Ireland international says they cannot afford any more slip-ups against the Austrian double winners in this Group D clash in the Arnold Schwarzenegger Stadion.

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"We're not underestimating Graz and we know it will be a difficult game, but if we concentrate on our own strengths that should be good enough."

Nicky Butt has recovered from his groin injury to increase manager Sir Alex Ferguson's midfield options. David Beckham is expected to shrug off his ankle complaint and Andy Cole his hamstring problem to play.

Once again United must do without the ineligible Massimo Taibi and Mickael Silvestre, with Raimond van der Gouw favourite to take over in goal. Jordi Cruyff should continue on the left.

Arsene Wenger has relieved Nigerian star Kanu of penalty-kick duties after his miss against Fiorentina last week - and could drop him altogether from the Arsenal starting line-up for the clash with Swedes AIK Solna at Wembley tonight.

Dennis Bergkamp and Davor Suker are likely to be his strikers tonight and even if Kanu appears as a sub the manager insists: "If we get a penalty Kanu will not take it". Winger Marc Overmars has been tipped for the job.

Playing at Wembley is another psychological barrier Wenger feels Arsenal must surmount. Forced to move there by crowd restrictions last season, they won just one of three matches.

Lee Dixon is available again for the Gunners after serving a two-match Euro ban but winger Ray Parlour completes a three-match suspension after being sent off against Lens last year. Emmanuel Petit is still out with knee trouble, and Wenger admits he is almost certain to also miss next Wednesday's trip to Barcelona.