Way is now clear for Keane to come in from the cold

‘‘I HOPE some day I’ll play for Ireland again. However, it won’t be for McCarthy.’’

It doesn't have to be now. For, as one door slams shut, another creaks open and there, standing squarely in the frame will be Roy Keane. The big question is, will he walk through it.

On the face of it, the news that Mick McCarthy has left his job as Irish team boss means Keane has no choice to make. After all, the row which built up in Saipan during the summer became a personal dispute between two men one winner, one loser.