Keane set for return to action at Wigan

Robbie Keane’s future at Liverpool may remain the subject of ongoing speculation but the Republic of Ireland captain is expected to return to the first-team squad for tomorrow night’s Premier League clash with Wigan.

Keane had been left out of Rafael Benitez’s 18-man squad for the 1-1 FA Cup draw with Everton at the weekend leading to rumours of a move away from the club.

Tottenham, Manchester City and even Merseyside rivals Everton are understood to be monitoring the situation but Benitez explained this afternoon that Keane had trained well for the past two days and would be included at the JJB stadium.

"Robbie had a day off on Sunday, he trained on Monday and today as normal - he will be in the squad for tomorrow," Benitez told reporters today.

"We are just thinking about using him in tomorrow's game. I will be very pleased if he can score against Wigan Athletic."

Benitez also appears unwilling to part with a player he paid £20 million for just six months ago, at least before the January transfer window closes next week.

"He is working very hard and will be a very important player for the rest of the season,” added Benitez. “Keane is in the squad so we don't need to talk too much about him.

“People are talking too much. . . . he is expensive and high profile, yes. But Manchester United have bought plenty of players who cost £20m or more every single year. Sometimes more than one player. But nothing is said about them being left out.

“If you want to be in a top side then you must have this mentality. You have to accept that some players will play and some will not.”

It remains to be seen whether Keane’s international teammate Shay Given will feature for Newcastle when they take on Manchester City or whether he has already played his last game for the Tyneside club. Given’s move to Eastlands is due to be concluded this week.

Given’s move to Manchester could see Richard Dunne moving in the opposite direction but the central defender has little inclination to up sticks at this stage of his career.

"The aim for every player here now is to stay at the club as long as possible and hopefully taste some real success. I am no different," the 29-year-old told the Manchester Evening News.

“We all have to play a part and we all know if we do not perform to the best of our ability in training and matches that we might not be here that long in what looks like being an exciting future.

“The opportunity is there for any player who has been at this club a long time and knows how bad things have been at different stages, to grab the opportunity to be involved in good times.

“It is up to individuals to take that chance.”