Robbie was the star on what was generally a pleasing day for the Irish in the Premier League. On his first start back in the division since going on loan to Aston Villa, the Irish captain settled the midlands derby against his old club Wolves with the last two goals of the game to win 3-2. Both were beautifully taken, illustrating Keane is on form and on song.

Ciaran Clark also put in a solid performance for Villa, combining industry with initiative.

At Fulham, Keane’s old partner Damien Duff also haunted an old club. The winger was in wondrous form as he played a pivotal role in his team’s 5-2 win over Newcastle United. Duff won the first penalty of the game to send Fulham on their way to a superb victory having been 1-0 down.

For Norwich, meanwhile, Anthony Pilkington was a constant threat in his club’s admirable 0-0 draw against Chelsea. He could even have given Norwich the lead in the first half with a fizzing strike. John O’Shea also put in a solid performance as Sunderland kept a clean sheet against a fine Swansea side to win 2-0.

Finally, in the Championship, Robbie Brady scored the only goal for Hull in their 1-0 win away to Reading.

It wasn’t all an upward curve however. For a start, Keane’s two goals ensure he has already equalled Kevin Doyle’s entire haul for the season. In the same game, Giovanni Trapattoni may be beginning to develop some concern over the number of goals Villa concede at corners, with Shay Given and Richard Dunne central to a defence that seemingly malfunctions at set-pieces. David Edwards’s goal for Wolves today was the 10th they’ve conceded from corners this season, the most in the Premier League.

Elsewhere, Jon Walters missed a penalty in Stoke’s 2-1 defeat to West Brom while James McCarthy gave one away as he handled in Wigan’s 3-1 loss at QPR.