ROY KEANE could give Manchester United's European hopes a boost by returning to first team action before their next Champions' League game against Rapid Vienna next week.
United missed Keane's competitive edge in their opening game in the competition last week at Juventus, a 1-0 defeat, and have been further hit by the news that his fellow midfielder, Nicky Butt, is out of this weekend's Premiership clash at Villa Park.
A calf injury has ruled Butt out, and is also likely to see him miss the game against Rapid at Old Trafford this day week.
But Keane is due to play in United's reserve fixture with Tranmere at Old Trafford today after recovering from a recent ankle operation.
If the Republic of Ireland star comes through unscathed he will return to first team duty on Saturday.
Keane said: "I am looking forward to getting back and am optimistic of playing on Saturday. It was a big blow to miss the European game against Juventus, but am confident we can do well against Rapid Vienna and hopefully get the three points."
