By Mark Gallagher

By Liam Mackey, Seoul

THIS is no way for the magical journey to end. In the cruellest of circumstances, a World Cup over without even losing a match.

By Mark Gallagher, Seoul

A ground-breaking international against Japan is likely to be one of the many benefits for the FAI from Ireland's World Cup adventure in Asia.

Mick McCarthy has sent his congratulations to England counterpart Sven-Goran Eriksson after his team made it into the last 16 of the World Cup finals.

JASON McATEER has denied reports that he had a bust-up with Mick McCarthy and even threatened to go home, over his omission from the Irish team against Germany.

Jason McAteer has been passed fit to play for the Republic of Ireland in their opening World Cup Group E clash with Cameroon on Saturday.

Mick McCarthy has confirmed that he has no intention of resigning his position as Ireland boss after the World Cup finals.

Speculation is mounting that former Republic of Ireland captain Roy Keane will travel to the World Cup in the next few hours.

Ireland striker Niall Quinn today responded to the RTE interview given by Roy Keane.

McCarthy says only apology from Keane will bring him back.

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

Only 13 of Ireland’s squad took part in light training at the team’s base in Izumo this morning.

Roy Keane arrived back in Manchester today after being banished from the Republic of Ireland World Cup squad by manager Mick McCarthy.

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.

Mick McCarthy today said Roy Keane was ‘‘history’’ as he arrived with his squad in Japan to continue their World Cup preparations.

Kevin Kilbane knows more than most just how great a threat Cameroon striker Patrick Mboma will pose to the Republic of Ireland in their opening World Cup fixture.

I am a DCU student living in Tokyo, working for a Japanese electronics company, and I can tell you, with the World Cup just around the corner, Irish fever is really gripping Japan and Tokyo in particular

Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy will not be asking his players to hold back in their tackles during training sessions leading up to the start of the World Cup finals.

The Republic of Ireland have been handed a wonderful opportunity to repeat their 1990 and 1994 World Cup exploits by again emerging from their opening group in next year’s finals in Japan and Korea.

Mick McCarthy will have a great big smile on his face whatever pot luck is inflicted upon Ireland in tomorrow’s World Cup draw in South Korea.