Take Kerr as Roy signs off for Ireland

IRISH football enters a new era in Hampden Park tonight as Brian Kerr’s first game in charge will played under the shadow of Roy Keane’s international retirement.

The curtain finally dropped on Keane’s Ireland career last night as the Manchester United captain issued a statement, claiming the decision was taken on medical advice.

However, the announcement, coming on the eve of his inaugural game as senior manager against Scotland, is a slap in Kerr’s face.