ROY IS RIGHT

From the Guardian:

Roy Keane's grievances about the Republic's World Cup preparations will result in significant changes after the Football Association of Ireland admitted for the first time that it had made serious errors of judgment before and during the summer tournament.

An independent inquiry commissioned by the FAI to investigate the circumstances surrounding Keane's walk-out from the squad will recommend that the association adopts a more professional approach. The general secretary Brendan Menton is likely to be heavily criticised and, as the FAI's highest-ranking official, may find his position under increasing scrutiny.

Declan Conroy, speaking before this evening's friendly with Finland, said:

"We have to hold up our hands and say we got things wrong.

"There are things to improve on. I think you will find the organisation is structured very differently in 12 months. We don't want to be jeopardising the success of our national team."

The FAI has appointed Genesis, a Glasgow-based sports consultancy, to oversee the inquiry. The 23 squad members, including Keane, will be invited to make statements.

McCarthy was interviewed at the weekend but Keane has yet to indicate whether he will cooperate. The midfielder had complained about "dangerous" training facilities, that the skips carrying the players' kits had not arrived on time and that they were not given sensible food.

An interim report will be published next month - the full findings in October - but some changes are already being implemented. Players are now taken straight through airport check-ins to save them from being mobbed by fans. And the FAI has taken on two more press officers to join Brendan McKenna.

Elsewhere the Republic of Ireland's Kenny Cunningham says:

"It would be ridiculous to say we are stronger without Roy Keane. He was our captain and still is world-class.

"I have been fortunate enough to spend some time with him over the years and I found him a fascinating and intelligent man. He demands high standards of himself and those around him - that is what has made him a winner.

"I haven't read too much of what has been in the papers but after everything he has done, I would be lacking in respect if I didn't say I was interested in what he has to say.

"I won't be camping outside WH Smiths to get a copy but I will read it - maybe he should send a few free copies to the lads."