Carsley puts Ireland duty on hold for Everton focus

REPUBLIC of Ireland midfielder Lee Carsley yesterday asked not to be considered for international duty for "the foreseeable future".

Carsley has recently fallen out of favour at Everton, and it is believed his decision is rooted in trying to win his place back at Goodison Park.

The loss of Carsley is a blow to manager Brian Kerr given the spate of recent retirements from the side.