Ferguson, McCarthy had play-off deal: Keane

ROY KEANE has revealed that he did not appear in Tehran for Ireland’s World Cup play off second leg against Iran after a deal was struck between Mick McCarthy and Alex Ferguson.

Keane said knee problems he was experiencing in the run up to the first play-off game against Iran at Lansdowne Road led Ferguson to agreeing with McCarthy that if a ‘positive result’ was achieved, Keane would not travel for the second leg.