Lauren (right) - happy Keane is out (Allsport)

By Ian Parkes, PA Sport, Niigata

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Cameroon star Lauren has conceded he is "secretly happy" at the fact Roy Keane will not be driving on the Republic of Ireland in Saturday's World Cup showdown in Niigata.

Keane's disgraced absence has dominated Ireland's build-up to the opening Group E clash at the Big Swan Stadium, despite manager Mick McCarthy's attempt to draw a veil over the unsavoury events of more than a week ago.

Keane's foul-mouthed tirade towards McCarthy led to his eventual expulsion from the squad, with the aftermath in the following days becoming a 'will he-won't he' saga as to whether the Manchester United skipper would make peace with the 42-year-old and be allowed to return.

Cameroon have had their own problems, notably a 60-hour flight to Japan last week due to an initial delay in Paris following the non-payment of World Cup bonuses to the players.

But that has paled into insignificance in comparison to the furore which has surrounded Ireland.

It could all play into Cameroon's hands as Arsenal midfielder Lauren said: "Roy Keane is one of the best midfielders in the world, but I know most of the players in the Ireland side and they are still very strong with the likes of (Mark) Kinsella and (Matt) Holland in the midfield.

"It doesn't matter who plays, it's still going to be difficult because the World Cup everybody wants to give their best.

"So we are expecting a tough game, even without Roy Keane, but of course we are secretly happy he is not playing."

Patrick Mboma, meanwhile, cannot wait for the World Cup to start after shaking off an Achilles injury.

Mboma is the undoubted star of what is arguably the strongest Cameroon squad since Roger Milla led the Indomitable Lions to the quarter-finals of Italia '90.

The fact Mboma, who has required treatment all this week for his injury, has given himself the all clear will prove an inspiration to the rest of the Cameroon squad.

The 31-year-old, who spent the closing few months of the last Premiership season on loan at Sunderland, believes in his own ability and that coach Winfried Schafer's side have what it takes to at least reach the last eight.

"We are confident that we can be successful and do better than our brothers in 1990," stated Mboma.

"It's a huge enterprise we have to realise, but we are ready for big things.

"This opening game against Ireland is going to be a difficult one because they looked an impressive team in qualifying, particularly in beating Holland.

"But if we are intent on reaching at least the quarter-finals then we have to play and beat strong teams and Ireland are a strong team."

Mboma has scored 23 goals in his 42 internationals for Cameroon, which is an impressive strike rate he is looking to maintain in this World Cup.

Cameroon's fervent supporters are banking on Mboma to fire their side to victory.

And the pressure would appear to be on the imposing 6ft 2ins striker.

But Mboma added: "I am under no pressure to do well except the pressure which I place upon myself.

"I am confident of doing well, but it's more important that the team are happy and we work as hard as possible to achieve our goals.

"The fact that the Cameroon players are here and that we want to reach the quarter-finals and have a good World Cup is more important."