Robbie Keane will play his first competitive match at the San Siro tonight as Inter Milan seek to overturn a first-leg deficit and make it into the group stages of the Champions League.

Despite Ivan Zamorano's star showing in Chile's 3-0 win over Brazil last week, the signs are that the young Dubliner will again partner Hakan Sukur up front against Sweden's Helsingborgs, who lead 1-0 from the first leg.

Coach Marcello Lippi said: "I felt Robbie was probably the best player for us in the first leg, even though he missed a goal chance. He has adapted to his new environment quicker than expected and is going to be an important player for the club."

This time, though, Keane will have 40,000 Inter fanatics breathing down his neck - and such are the stakes for the Serie A's third-biggest club that defeat tonight could spell the end for both Lippi and his biggest summer investment.

Tallaght-born Keane said: "Every player has ambitions to play in the Champion's League and one of the reasons I agreed to come to Inter was because it would provide that opportunity.  The players were disappointed at losing to a late goal in the first leg but the spirit is strong and everyone believes we can overturn the deficit.

"Personally, I'm thrilled at the prospect of finally playing at the San Siro as all our games so far have been away from home."