Kerr’s straight bat

THE fun and games have begun. Brian Kerr recalled eight players to the Irish squad for the trip to Poland next week, but one cornered the attention yesterday.

For 45 minutes, Kerr got his first taste of life as manager of the most famous Irish athlete on the planet. Question after question, many remarkably similar, concerned Roy Keane. Kerr answered each one with the acute professionalism that convinced Keane the time was right to return to international football.

The more pertinent matters were also dealt with. Would Kenny Cunningham remain as captain? “Kenny Cunningham will remain as captain. He was captain when I took over as manager and he will stay as captain. When Kenny hasn’t been available, Matt Holland has been my captain, but Kenny is the captain.”