Keane rules out early return to Irish team

ROY KEANE has dashed any slim hopes of an early return to the Ireland team following an outspoken interview.

Keane vowed that he won't play for his country while Mick McCarthy remains at the helm.

"I know how important it is to play for Ireland, but not until its under new management and that's out of my hands," he revealed on MUTV last night.

It was hoped Keane would return for the European Championship qualifiers, if a way was found to break the deadlock between himself and McCarthy.

But the dispute that resulted in Keane's early exit from the World Cup squad shows no signs of easing.

It's now certain Keane will play no part in the qualifying games that begin against Russia in September.

The former Ireland captain said he was moved by the warm reception fans gave him when Manchester United played Shelbourne last week.

"As far as the World Cup is concerned, it's done and dusted. The fans reaction when I came back home was fantastic," he said.

And Keane believes most supporters fully understand the circumstances that led to his outburst in Saipan.

"It was great to be back and all the Irish fans were pleased to see me which was very moving. They can see through a lot of things, and a lot of people. Now things have been found out they know where I'm coming from," he said.

The official Republic of Ireland supporters' club said last week that 70% of fans are still angry with the controversial midfield player.

Looking to the future Keane said his immediate goal is to do well with his club in the upcoming premiership season. "I'm now looking forward to the start of a new season and just getting on with it."

Meanwhile, the former governor of the Central Bank, Maurice O'Connell will lead the FAl review of World Cup 2002.

The FAI is hoping the probe will end the controversy surrounding the team's preparations for the World Cup in Japan and Korea.

The review was ordered following Roy Keane's strong criticism of facilities at the team training base in Saipan.

He said the pitch there was too hard to play on and players were likely to get injured on it.

Footballs and parts of the training kit were also late arriving to the island.

Keane and other retired internationals claimed that similar problems had been happening for decades.

Mr O'Connell will be assisted in his work by an international sports management agency.