Published: Wednesday, 10th February, 2010 4:56pm

Clancy back for Keane debut

by Fergal Lynch

Tim Clancy has been in fine form for Kilmarnock in recent games in the Scottish Premier League.
Pic by==: 97

After over four months on the sidelines with an elbow injury, former Trim Celtic player Tim Clancy made a sooner-than-expected return to the Kilmarnock starting line-up for one of the most eagerly anticipated Scottish Premier League games of the season against Celtic, which was Robbie Keane's debut for the Glasgow club.

All the hype surrounding Keane's late, late loan move from Tottenham Hotspur overshadowed Clancy's return, but it put the Trim man in the spotlight.

Clancy duly took full advantage and produced a top class performance which ensured Keane's debut was a miserable one.

The Meath man suffered a terrible elbow injury following a poor challenge by Rangers striker Kris Boyd back in September and his rehabilitation was a long one.

During Clancy's absence, Kilmarnock's form suffered as they drifted into relegation danger.

The Ayrshire club also parted company with the man who brought Clancy to Rugby Park, Jim Jeffries.

However, new manager Jimmy Calderwood showed great faith in Clancy, son of former Meath Schoolboys League chairman and secretary Des, and brought him back into the first team without any need to build up match fitness with the reserves. The player didn't disappoint with a robust, productive display.

Clancy was also a pivotal figure in setting up Chris Maguire for the only goal of the game early in the second-half and when he was eventually replaced with 17 minutes remaining he received a huge ovation from the 10,000 strong crowd.

Clancy did try to exchange shirts with Keane after the final whistle, but Ireland's leading all-time scorer opted to retain his first Celtic jersey.

The former North Eastern Counties Schoolboys' League u-14 player-of-the-year did manage to get his hands on Arthur Boruc's shirt to add to his Celtic collection

There was no time for Clancy to bask in the glory of his comeback as he was pressed into action again on Saturday when Kilmarnock welcomed Inverness to Rugby Park for a fifth round Scottish Cup tie.

Again Clancy lined out at right back and again he was very solid as Kilmarnock coasted to a 3-0 victory.

Clancy was given a rest after 63 minutes with Kilmarnock already three goals to the good and on their way to only their ninth clean sheet in 28 games - their first two clean sheets in-a-row.

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