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 possible penalty, Uefa have confirmed Keane will only serve a one-match suspension for treading on the veteran 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 as the keeper beat him to a long ball played out of the visitors' half.
Keane said: "I am pleased common sense has prevailed. There was no malice in the incident and I think Uefa have recognised that."
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson dismissed the incident, which sparked a furious touchline argument with opposite number Jose Mourinho last week, as trivial.
And, though Keane 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 that he would be willing to consider coming out of international retirement in time for the World Cup qualifying campaign that starts next autumn.
Keane has not played for his country since dramatically walking out of their World Cup training camp in Japan nearly two years ago but he has already been talked out of one return.
Kerr said: "If Roy wants to make himself available in the future, I have no problems with that. But 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."
Ferguson is limiting his captain's appearances to prolong a career ravaged by a series of serious injuries.
Given Keane's importance to his club side, it is unlikely his manager would look too kindly on the thoughts of him appearing on the international stage once again.
