Roy may yet make Ireland comeback

ROY KEANE has not ruled out the possibility of returning to play for the Republic of Ireland, less than a week after announcing his retirement from international football for medical reasons.

However, the former Irish skipper also admitted to being disgusted by the reaction of the tabloids and the public in Ireland to his decision, made on the eve of Brian Kerr's debut as manger.

"I really do feel let down by what has happened in Ireland and I was angry for two days. I have cooled off a bit but there is a lot of negative things over there. People need to remember the bloody good things when I played for Ireland. The last few days have been a pretty sad affair," he told The Sunday Times.

"Lots of people think I am a traitor. I can't worry about that. I believe I've given good service. I am not looking for a pat on the back, all I would ask is to be judged on what I did on the pitch in my 58 matches for Ireland."

Despite such frustrations, Keane admitted that chances of returning to the international scene may hinge on his career plans, post Manchester United.

"People placed bets on Roy Keane never playing for Ireland again. If I were the bookies, I wouldn't pay out just yet. The Champions League games that United play mean it is not feasible just now. What would happen if I was at a club that wasn't playing in Europe? You never know."

Keane stressed that his injury situation had not been exaggerated. He revealed that he was forced to undertake a 17 month course of anti inflammatory drugs as he battled to overcome the serious hip injury which ultimately required surgery two months before the World Cup.

The surgeon, Richard Villar, described the damage as career ending, according to Keane. "He was pretty disappointed with what he saw in there. There was a lot more damage than he expected. Mr Villar told me it was a nasty one. His exact words were, 'I will be glad if you can get back playing full stop.' We discussed the possibility of having to retire."

However the Corkman reveals that he did not discuss the issue in detail with Brian Kerr when they met in Manchester on the Thursday prior to the Republic's friendly with Scotland. Keane gave Kerr a commitment that he would return to the international fold. However, United manager Alex Ferguson met him next morning and questioned him about the meeting.

"Did you discuss the medical side of things," asked Ferguson.

"Well, not really," said Keane.

"Didn't you talk to him about the advice that you've had from the surgeon and the club doctor?"

"No, we didn't get round to that."

"Roy, the whole idea was for you to tell Brian about the medical advice you've had!"

"We just talked about giving it one more go."

"I understand that. I know it is only six more matches but you have got a serious medical situation."

"I know."

"Look, you've got to go and speak again to our medical people."

Keane then contacted Kerr to express his change of heart. He admitted that his relationship with the Republic of Ireland manager had been somewhat fraught in the aftermath of last week's announcement, and by comments attributed to the new boss. However he believes a clear-the-air conversation on Friday was successful.

"Speaking to Brian was good and you know as we were finishing our conversation he said, 'You never know what might happen down the road.' "I believe that."