Current captain, Kenny Cunningham:
"It is an issue for the manager to decide. I was fortunate enough to receive the honour of captaining my country from Mick McCarthy and upon Brian Kerr’s appointment.
"I always considered it a great honour to be asked to lead out the team but, if Brian asks me to give the armband to anybody else, then I’ll give it. No question."
"Roy has been a massive influence on the pitch in the many games I’ve played alongside him.
"Roy has a great presence. He leads by example. We will benefit from having him there in the World Cup qualifiers.
"It is fair to say in certain games the team has struggled without him and in the past he led the way. He seemed to almost carry the team on his back in tough games.
"I feel we can only benefit from Roy’s return."
Dean Kiely:
"With his club, Manchester United, saying about the wear and tear injuries, to put another eight to ten games in your calendar seems a little strange."
"I think from a footballing point of view he's world class. Any squad would benefit.
"I'm slightly surprised how things panned out in the World Cup. It all seemed so final.
"With his club, Manchester United, saying about the wear and tear injuries, to put another eight to ten games in your calendar seems a little strange.
"Any team with Roy Keane in takes on a different look. I think the Ireland squad is strong. Duff and Keane have the footballing world at their feet.
"But to have such a driving force, who is well respected in football, can only help.
"I've been taken aback a little bit, as it seemed so final, but nothing shocks me in football."