ROY Keane is in line to make his Manchester United comeback at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday.

Keane has joined up with the Republic of Ireland squad for Wednesday night's World Cup qualifier against Switzerland in Basle - a fortnight after it was revealed that he had cracked two ribs.

It was thought that the 32-year-old United midfielder would be out of action for at least another week while he recovered from the injury.

But after sitting out Ireland's 3-0 win over Cyprus at Lansdowne Road on Saturday, Keane has been declared fit to play.

Ireland boss Brian Kerr has been in regular contact with United manager Sir Alex Ferguson regarding Keane's progress.

Ferguson has agreed to let Keane fly out to Switzerland, with a view to the midfielder getting some match action under his belt before Saturday's Reebok clash.

Kerr said: "Early last week, Roy began light training with his club and has made considerable progress.

"We expect him to be available for selection tomorrow.

"I would like to thank Manchester United and manager Sir Alex Ferguson for their co-operation on this matter."

Keane has not featured for United since their victory over Norwich on August 21.

His presence in the back four would be a major boost for United, especially as fellow Ireland international John O'Shea has torn his lower thigh muscle.

Ferguson should have defender Gabriel Heinze available following his summer exploits with Argentina at the Copa America and the Olympics.

Ruud van Nistelrooy is also in contention for a squad place as he recovers from a hernia operation.

And Cristiano Ronaldo shrugged off concerns over his own hernia problem to score for Portugal in their World Cup qualifier victory over Latvia at the weekend.

But United will be without new signing Wayne Rooney, who is still recovering from the broken bone in his foot which finished off his Euro 2004 campaign.

And the Reds will also be without Rio Ferdinand, who will be serving the last match of an eight-month ban - imposed at an FA meeting at the Reebok Stadium last Christmas - for missing a drugs test.