Post by Taxigirl on Apr 14, 2004 10:19:05 GMT
news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/republic_of_ireland/3622195.stm
Roy Keane is to play again for the Republic of Ireland, the FAI confirmed on Tuesday.
The Manchester United captain met with Irish boss Brian Kerr and insisted he wanted to play for his country again.
Keane has not played for Ireland since quitting the national team after rowing with former coach Mick McCarthy just before the 2002 World Cup.
"It cannot have been an easy decision for him but his desire to represent his country is immense," said Kerr.
The player flew home from a training camp just before the 2002 World Cup and said he would not play for Ireland again while McCarthy was in charge.
McCarthy's resignation later that year sparked speculation that Keane would return under new manager Kerr.
At that stage, Keane appeared to be on the verge of agreeing to return.
However, influenced by United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, Keane eventually announced his international retirement, saying his main focus was on prolonging his club career.
Republic boss Kerr, describing Keane as one of the Republic's greatest ever players, said United's approval had been a sticking point.
Kerr added: "We met last week and discussed everything about his decision in great detail.
"He had addressed the issue with his club before that meeting and they are aware of his decision to make himself available for international duty with immediate effect."
FAI chief executive Fran Rooney also welcomed Keane back into the fold with open arms.
He said: "We look forward to Roy Keane playing for Ireland again.
"It is important that we should have all our top players available for the forthcoming World Cup campaign."
McCarthy's club Sunderland said he would not comment on the situation.
Keane's return will be a boost to the Republic's World Cup qualification campaign which starts with a home game against Cyprus in September.
There may be concerns, though, about what impact Keane's dramatic return will have on team morale.
Keane, who has 58 caps, last played for Ireland in the final World Cup warm-up match in May 2002 when the Republic lost 2-1 to Nigeria.
Roy Keane is to play again for the Republic of Ireland, the FAI confirmed on Tuesday.
The Manchester United captain met with Irish boss Brian Kerr and insisted he wanted to play for his country again.
Keane has not played for Ireland since quitting the national team after rowing with former coach Mick McCarthy just before the 2002 World Cup.
"It cannot have been an easy decision for him but his desire to represent his country is immense," said Kerr.
The player flew home from a training camp just before the 2002 World Cup and said he would not play for Ireland again while McCarthy was in charge.
McCarthy's resignation later that year sparked speculation that Keane would return under new manager Kerr.
At that stage, Keane appeared to be on the verge of agreeing to return.
However, influenced by United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, Keane eventually announced his international retirement, saying his main focus was on prolonging his club career.
Republic boss Kerr, describing Keane as one of the Republic's greatest ever players, said United's approval had been a sticking point.
Kerr added: "We met last week and discussed everything about his decision in great detail.
"He had addressed the issue with his club before that meeting and they are aware of his decision to make himself available for international duty with immediate effect."
FAI chief executive Fran Rooney also welcomed Keane back into the fold with open arms.
He said: "We look forward to Roy Keane playing for Ireland again.
"It is important that we should have all our top players available for the forthcoming World Cup campaign."
McCarthy's club Sunderland said he would not comment on the situation.
Keane's return will be a boost to the Republic's World Cup qualification campaign which starts with a home game against Cyprus in September.
There may be concerns, though, about what impact Keane's dramatic return will have on team morale.
Keane, who has 58 caps, last played for Ireland in the final World Cup warm-up match in May 2002 when the Republic lost 2-1 to Nigeria.