European qualifiers the target after World Cup disappointment, says Healy

CELTIC and Republic of Ireland midfielder Colin Healy is determined to put the disappointment of the World Cup behind him as he aims for the European Championships.

Healy found himself in the limelight before the tournament in South Korea and Japan as Irish captain Roy Keane was banished from the squad.

The 22-year-old looked set for a call-up to Mick McCarthy’s squad as replacement but FIFA regulations prohibited the move. Now Healy is hoping to put himself in the frame for a place in the Republic’s bid to qualify for Portugal 2004.

‘‘I was getting reporters calling me up all the time and hanging about to ask what was happening and I didn’t know myself,” said Healy.

‘‘When I did find out that I wouldn’t be going, I just went off on holiday as planned and relaxed.

‘‘I watched all the games and I thought they were absolutely brilliant. We were really unlucky against the Spanish, but it was a great tournament.

‘‘Everything that happened is all in the past now, but obviously I would love to be involved in the European Championships. ‘‘I have had a taste of international football with Ireland last year and if I can get a game in the first-team here then maybe I can get back into the squad.

‘‘There are so many good players here, especially in midfield, and it is hard to break through.

‘‘I’m just back from a loan period at Coventry which I enjoyed, so now I just have to keep working hard and see what happens.’’

Healy got his first goal of pre-season in the 3-2 win at Portsmouth.

‘‘I’d had a chance to score beforehand and had made a mess of it. It is always nice to get a goal,” he said.

Meanwhile, Republic of Ireland legend Denis Irwin claims he is not worried he has still not found a new club after leaving Manchester United. Irwin, 36, has ended his 12-year spell at Manchester United but wants to play on for one more season.

But so far the only concrete offer has been from English first division side Wolverhampton Wanderers as cash-strapped clubs in England’s Nationwide leagues are careful about big signings.

“If I’m going to join a team, I would rather be in there from the start so hopefully something will come up in the next week.

“I feel fit enough and hopefully I can get myself sorted out. As for me continuing in the Premiership, we’ll see what happens.”