AN EX-MANAGER, A PRAT AND KEANO

Last updated : 06 November 2002 By Editor
Roy Keane could find himself back in the Republic of Ireland squad as Mick McCarthy's reign as Republic of Ireland manager has come to an end. The 43-year-old has negotiated a severance package with the FAI and will leave immediately.

McCarthy has come under increasing pressure ever since this summer's World Cup, despite leading the team into the second round, where they lost on penalties to Spain.

The pressure increased when Ireland lost both their opening Euro 2004 qualifying campaign matches - away to Russia and at home to Switzerland - and today McCarthy finally decided that enough was enough and quit the job he has held since succeeding Jack Charlton six years ago.

However, the Keane row marred Ireland's build-up to the World Cup, although draws against Germany and Cameroon and a win over Saudi Arabia set up a second round date with Spain. McCarthy was unable to match Charlton's achievement of guiding the Irish into the World Cup quarter-finals after a heart-breaking penalty shoot-out defeat by Spain.

Jason McAteer, McCarthy's biggest fan and Roy's elbow bag, had obviously been reading Bob the Builder again as he admits to being 'shocked' at McCarthy's departure.

"I've spoken to a couple of the other lads (including team-mate Kevin Kilbane) and we're shocked."

He continued on Sky Sports News: "The power of the pen is mighty in this day and age - the majority of journalists never wanted him to have the job and they have given him a tough time.

"This summer was the same, but once the Roy Keane thing happened the world's media was on us and the questions were coming left, right and centre.

"Mick never kicked him out, Roy took the decision and it's unfair Mick's going to take the stick for it."

He added: "Look at the Ireland team - we've got a handful of world-class players, players such as Damian Duff and Robbie Keane.

"The rest - me included - are not world-class but we all muck in together. Mick got us to the World Cup and that's the pinnacle of our careers.

I think you might find that a certain Mr. Roy Keane almost single handedly got you to the World Cup