Robbie Keane has remained silent this week on his latest return to Wolves.

But as he prepares to step out at Molineux in a Villa shirt, no-one should under-estimate the strong ties that continue to bond him to all things gold and black

Any suggestion that by returning to the West Midlands for a six-week stint at potential survival rivals has compromised Wolves fans’ affections for him is sheer folly, according to his best friend, former keeper Matt Murray.

“I went over to LA to watch the MLS final he played in for Galaxy and straight away, ‘Keano’ was asking about how Wolves were getting on,” said Murray.

“When he was back over Christmas and got a shout that he might have a chance to go to Villa, I said to him: ‘You do realise if you sign for them, your second fixture will be a return to Molineux?’

“He said it will be difficult. He’s been back a few times, but he’s been trying to keep a low profile this time.

“But he’s always had a great reception because of the respect he’s always had for Wolves.

“He’s never celebrated scoring against Wolves and the fans respect that.”

Murray is adamant that Keane, who he was best man for at the Irish star’s wedding in 2008, has never had the chance to come back to Molineux.

“There have been a few times when he’s been linked to come back, but it’s never materialised,” said Murray.

“This time last year, Tottenham were only listening to West Ham so he had no choice to make.

“A few fans might think he’s turned his back on Wolves, but look, he has the ultimate respect for Mick McCarthy – Mick gave him his chance at international level.

“But I don’t think there has ever been a concrete bid where he has had that choice to make.

“It’s not about that; he’s gone to Villa and he’ll do well there.

“So if it’s never been the case where it’s been right for both parties, these things don’t happen and there’s nothing else you can do.

“It doesn’t mean that people such as Joleon Lescott and ‘Keano’ don’t still hold this club dearly to their hearts because they do, but they have a job to do.”

Murray added: “When you start at a club, that club never leaves you.

“When Lee Naylor was up at Celtic, he said he was turning all the Celtic lads into Wolves fans, and it’s the same with us all.

“When you start at a club, it’s quite unique the way it feels like a family.

“The fans here love to see young lads giving their all – they forgive you your mistakes and they just get behind you, and that stays with you.

“That’s what Robbie, Joleon and myself remember. Anyone who comes back who has given everything for the shirt, always receives a good reception.

“They realised with Robbie and Joleon that it was the right time for them to move on. They were doing well for Wolves and they didn’t force their way out – they left for big offers. It was right for all parties and the fans respect that.”

Keane is arguably as well known to the current Wolves dressing room as he is in the stands, and Murray feels there is mutual respect from both.

“He has a great respect for Mick McCarthy and all the fans here, and there are still people here from when he played here,” said Murray.

“The impression I get is that they’re proud of him, just like they’re proud of Joleon Lescott, and that they see him as one of their own.

“He’s one of our young cubs if you like, who has gone on and done really well.

“He’s got a job to do like every professional, and he’ll give 100 per cent to Villa, but I’m sure he’ll want to see Wolves stay up.

“All the Irish boys here know him really well too – Kevin Doyle, Kevin Foley, Stephen Ward and Stephen Hunt – because he captains them for the national team.”

Murray would love to be facing his best mate, but the fact he’s retired has reduced the usual banter between the pair this week.

“There would be a lot more banter if I was playing in goal,” said Murray. “He’d be telling me how he was going to ‘nutmeg’ me or chip me. But he’s just been keeping a low profile – I’m going to have to meet up with him to put him in a headlock to get their team out of him.

“He’s my mate, so I hope he plays well, but I want Wolves to win, and I hope he’s on the losing side – unfortunately for him.”

Whatever Keane’s role tomorrow for Alex McLeish’s side, Murray warned his quality hasn’t been dimmed by the passing years.

“He only came on for 10 minutes against Everton last week, but I think there’s a good chance he’ll start this time,” said the ex-keeper.

“He doesn’t know that, but I wouldn’t be surprised because of the quality he brings as a top player.

“He’s still scoring plenty of goals on the international scene and he’s been doing well for LA Galaxy.”

And despite the attacking riches available to McLeish, Murray believes Wolves are in fine fettle to deal with the claret and blue threat.

“With ‘Keano’, Darren Bent and Gabby Agbonlahor, Villa will pose a real threat, but Roger Johnson and Christophe Berra have been performing really well together and they will do their best to keep him quiet,” he added.

“Wolves’ defending has been a major key to some of the points they’ve got recently.

“Matt Jarvis and Michael Kightly are a real threat going forward, but they work just as hard defending.

“If we can keep it tight, with the delivery we’ve got from set-pieces and quality we’ve got out wide, we can cause problems.

“And with the form Steven Fletcher is in up front, he only needs one chance to score.

“It’s going to be a close game, but I really think with the Molineux faithful behind the boys, we can win it.”