Keane had hoped to play against Fulham last weekend, but was forced to pull out of the 3-0 win after feeling a slight twinge in his hamstring during training the day before the game.

The Cork-born player is one of few Old Trafford first-teamers in training this week, with manager Sir Alex Ferguson giving his non-internationals 10 days off ahead of the punishing April schedule which includes a Champions League quarter-final with Real Madrid, plus Premiership encounters with Liverpool, Newcastle and Arsenal.

Keane knows how vital those five matches will be in determining whether United’s season is regarded as a success or failure.

And he is working hard in his efforts to be fit for the resumption of the league campaign against Gerard Houllier’s side at Old Trafford on April 5.

“I thought I had a chance of making the Fulham game, but my hamstring was still a bit tight,” he told MUTV.

“For once I made a sensible decision and let it settle down.

“It’s been a frustrating season for me and I didn’t want to take any chances. I knew we had two weeks without a game and I wanted to try and make sure it was 100% ready for the Liverpool match.”

Meanwhile, Arsenal’s FA Cup win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last night means the potential title-deciding clash with United at Highbury will now take place on April 16.