Green wave drowns Kerr's blues
Kerr was smiling after two goals in 17 minutes at Hampden Park secured victory on his managerial debut and helped put the misery of the Roy Keane controversy behind him.
A major PR campaign by Man Utd to counter the anger among Irish fans at Keane's decision to quit international football was continuing as the Irish kicked off against Scotland.
However, goals from Kevin Kilbane and Clinton Morrison helped cheer the band of loyal Irish fans who travelled to Glasgow.
Scores of Irish Man Utd fans posted critical comments on the club's official website at Alex Ferguson's influence over Keane's decision to quit on medical grounds.
The Irish Football Supporters' Association (IFSA) urged Irish fans to boycott Old Trafford in protest at Ferguson's perceived role. IFSA general secretary Alan Hunter suggested that "men like Ferguson" would destroy football "because of the enormous power they wield over individual players with a total disregard for national sentiment".
Mr Hunter also suggested Keane's "forced retirement" in a club versus country tug-of-war was a scenario that could be repeated with John O'Shea, a defender at the same club. "Keano will probably, like Denis Irwin, play his best soccer; now that he's hung up his international boots," added Mr Hunter.
However, Ferguson insisted yesterday Keane's U-turn "had nothing to do" with him: "This is a straightforward medical decision regarding Roy's long-term ability to play. It has nothing to do with me.
"I'd have liked him to play for Ireland. After the situation that had arisen at the World Cup, we all wanted him to play for Ireland again, but this was a major operation. It's one of the new injuries. At 31, Roy now has to have careful preparation for every match and after every game."
His ex-Man Utd and Ireland colleague Denis Irwin said he was shocked by Keane's decision to quit, but believes it will become an option taken far more frequently by Premiership players.
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