ROBBIE KEANE is expected to join the Republic of Ireland squad today after underlining his return to both fitness and form in Sunday night’s MLS 3-1 play-off win over Real Salt Lake.

The Dubliner scored once and turned in what LA Galaxy team-mate Mike Magee described as an “amazing” performance.

Getting through the game so impressively completed a remarkable turnaround in the fortunes of the Irish skipper, who had looked to be a major doubt for the play-offs against Estonia after he strained an adductor muscle during the win over Andorra at the start of last month.

The 31-year-old had undergone intensive rehabilitation at his club, and he thanked the Galaxy medical staff for their part in getting him ready not just for the club games but the Irish ones.

“When it first happened they said four to six weeks and that really would have put me out,” Keane said. “I’m very happy. Full credit to Armando [Rivas, Galaxy’s head fitness coach] and all the physios who worked really hard to get me fit. It’s always nice to get back early, and I’ve managed to do that.

“It’s been a tough week for me personally, three games in a week after being out three-and-a-half weeks. They’ve been tough games, but we managed to get through. And now we look forward to the final.”

Keane made it clear that with Galaxy now having a couple of weeks off before the MLS title decider, his focus will be on Ireland and helping to get the national team to a European finals for the first time in a very long time.

“We haven’t qualified for the European Championships for the last 20 years or so. It’s going to be a big occasion,” he said.

“Seeing everyone back home, I know everyone’s looking forward to it.

“I’m just happy to be back fit and I look forward to the games.”