The 25-year-old, who takes home a weekly wage in excess of €3,000, was summoned to Richmond Park on Thursday and informed that he was being let go as he had failed to adhere to an ultimatum set down earlier this year regarding his physical condition.

Keane is now set to appeal the decision, with the matter destined to go through the Eircom League's legal channels.

If successful in fighting his case, Keane will look for the Saints to pay out the remaining 18 months of his contract, which would amount to more than €200,000.

Keane received a letter from the club earlier this year instructing him to lose weight and was given a target to aim towards.

Failing to meet that goal was the reason offered for his dismissal.

In his defence, the player will argue that he hasn't missed a training session during his time with the club.

Should the Saints survive any appeal decision by Keane then it could prove to be a landmark case.

The PFAI fear that other clubs would use it as a reference point for removing players from their wage bill.