Ireland manager Martin O’Neill has jumped to defend his former foe Arsene Wenger in the wake of Jose Mourinho’s stinging criticism of the Arsenal boss.

Mick McCarthy will leave former captain Roy Keane out of his Republic of Ireland side to take on Finland on August 21.

Roy Keane left the Pacific island of Saipan alone a day after being kicked out of the Republic of Ireland's World Cup team by Mick McCarthy.

Republic of Ireland captain Roy Keane was expected to fly back to the British Isles today after manager Mick McCarthy’s shock decision to dismiss him.