Just what the Irish team doctors ordered.
Robbie Keane is back in light training for LA Galaxy, with his coach suggesting he is not far off a full return to action.
The Ireland captain has missed the last six games with a groin injury but, on Wednesday, completed some drills with Galaxy’s head of strength and conditioning, Daniel Guzman.
‘He should be back on the field very shortly,’ said Bruce Arena. ‘We’re very happy with his progress.’
Arena’s assistant, Dave Sarachan, tempered expectations, in LA, as he revealed the striker would, most likely, sit out this weekend’s game with Orlando City.
‘He feels very good. He needed this break, he never had a proper preseason due to our travel and his travel with Ireland which may have put us in a tough starting point,’ Sarachan commented.
‘But I think that this rest and recovery has been an important piece for him. I think when he comes back, he’ll be at a really good level, but it’s not anything at this stage that needs to be rushed.
‘Even though Robbie is a competitor and wants to play, he’s realistic and knows that he’s almost there.’
Ireland take on Scotland in a vital Euro 2016 Qualifier, on June 13.
Meanwhile, Galaxy have featured what must surely rank as one of the best pun headlines of an already spectacular 2015.
Check out this MC Hammer inspired teaser for an interview with former West Ham player Sebastian Lletget:
