Roy Keane has learned he will be available for the Champions League quarter-finals if Manchester United scramble past Porto this week - at the same time as the door to an international return also swung open.
Despite Vitor Baia's demand for the maximum penalty, UEFA have confirmed Keane will only serve a one-match suspension for treading on the Porto goalkeeper during last week's first leg defeat in Portugal. Keane got the 11th red card of his United career when he needlessly stood on Baia.
Keane said: "I am pleased common sense has prevailed. There was no malice in the incident and I think UEFA have recognised that."
And, though he will miss Tuesday's second leg at Old Trafford, he will be available for the remainder of the competition if United overhaul their 2-1 deficit.
Of more concern to Ferguson will be the guarded but positive reaction Republic of Ireland coach Brian Kerr has given to Keane's recent revelation he would be willing to consider coming out of international retirement in time for the World Cup qualifying campaign next autumn.
A fortnight ago, the 32-year-old claimed to have "unfinished business" with Ireland and while Kerr was shrewd enough not to raise his hopes too much, he accepted a recall was possible provided the Keane conformed to his rules.
"If Roy wants to make himself available in the future, I have no problems with that. But ultimately, I'll be in charge," Kerr said. "The team will be run my way. Anyone who comes into the panel will be treated exactly the same as the rest of the squad.
"Every player has to be committed and has to live within the rules of the team. Everybody knows how to get in touch with me if they want to come back. But anyone who wants to return has to know it's right for them.
"There is no point if a player who has retired from international football says he wants to play for us again, only to find out that his club manager does not agree."
The last reference was a clear signal to Keane he needs to solve the issues Ferguson has over his international commitments before he decides to make an international comeback.
Ferguson is already limiting his captain's appearances this season in order to try to prolong a career that has been ravaged by a series of serious injuries, notably the hip operation 18 months ago that placed question marks over Keane's entire career.
