All Strachan noticed about his most high-profile signing was that the Corkman was itching for action in this afternoon's match against Clyde, where his presence . . . from the start or the bench . . . has elevated this Scottish Cup tie to the level of an international event.

"I sensed it in his body language. He has really stepped up a level this week, involvement-wise. He is ready for it, " observed Strachan. It is now 16 weeks since Keane played a competitive match, and while the broken toe he sustained in that game against Liverpool has long since healed, Strachan knows the former Manchester United captain needs time out in the middle of the park.

"We've tried our best to recreate game situations as much as we can in training, although conditions are a problem. But it's games you need for match sharpness."

The visit to Broadwood represents the first time Keane has been eligible to play for his new club; under registration rules, not even reserve team matches have been possible.

Strachan offers a little aside on that point, playfully suggesting Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell would have relished the prospect of a few reserve team outings for the new recruit since they would probably have guaranteed 60,000 through the gate.

It was a light-hearted remark, but it reflected the reality of the interest in Celtic's new number 16. For all Strachan may insist today's match is not about one individual, it is hard to escape the Keane effect, which goes well beyond the hundreds of jerseys flying out of official club stores and the many more 'Ireland United' tops now being worn by Celtic fans who cannot wait to see Neil Lennon and Keane in harness.

The frustration for today's opponents is that their 8,000 capacity limits revenue-generating opportunities. Still, Clyde should clear £130,000 from the fixture, with 300 corporate guests entertained by a club that normally counts itself lucky to have 60 folk in their corporate boxes.

And it's fair to say the 'prawn sandwich' brigade . . . if such a thing exists in Cumbernauld . . . are not turning up to marvel at Ross Wallace's transformation from diminutive winger to doughty left-back. It is a 34-year-old from Cork who is the lure.

Broadwood may not be the most glamorous setting for one of the most anticipated debuts in recent memory, but Keane has always maintained his work ethic ensures he puts as much into training in front of five people as he does playing in front of 50,000.

Last week the West Brom manager Bryan Robson and Strachan had a conversation which eventually got round to the topic of a certain Corkman and why he is not now a member of the first team at