worldcup.ie's Tokyo correspondent Carrie Tighe gives the lowdown on Izumo, McAteer's knee and what to expect in Niigata on Saturday.

IAN HARTE is hoping to have a ball at the World Cup finals — with the aid of the new match ball being introduced by FIFA.

Ian Harte is hoping to have a ball at the World Cup finals - with the aid of the new match ball being introduced by FIFA.

Jason McAteer is expected to be fit to face Cameroon on Sunday after getting the all-clear following a scan on his injured knee.

Roy Keane is back at his Cheshire home but the media frenzy surrounding his dismissal continues to rumble.

Ireland manager Mick McCarthy is hoping that a scan on Jason McAteer’s injured knee reveals nothing more than bruising.

Robbie Keane's goal 12 minutes from time in the match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima proved the decider. Ireland won the match 2-1.

Jason McAteer has strained medial ligaments in his left knee, according to reports from the dressing room this morning.

A subdued atmosphere prevailed in as the action started in Ireland's last warm-up match, against Sanfrecce Hiroshima.

Niall Quinn has told his Ireland team-mates that they must do their duty to the public back home - and that means forgetting about the controversial departure of Roy Keane from the squad.

Mark Kinsella is the man who will fill the shoes of departed Republic of Ireland skipper Roy Keane.

Captain Roy Keane was the centre of a training row today when he clashed with Packie Bonner and Alan Kelly.

Defender Kenny Cunningham is likely to miss Ireland’s pre-World Cup friendly against Hiroshima this Saturday after picking up a hamstring strain.

Matt Holland and Jason McAteer are expected to return to training with the Irish squad in Saipan today after sitting out yesterday’s training session.

FIFA has revealed that Ireland will be based in Isumo City in Japan during their preparations for the World Cup finals next year.