Carr retires as players back Kerr

STEPHEN CARR has announced his retirement from international football following the Republic of Ireland’s failure to qualify for next summer’s World Cup.

However the 29-year-old Newcastle right-back has urged the FAI to keep faith with manager Brian Kerr and give him a new contract, despite mounting speculation about his position.

“Brian has done a fantastic job and I sincerely hope he is allowed to continue as manager. I hope the FAI give him their full backing and a new contract because he deserves it.

“It was difficult for him to take over from Mick McCarthy after the 2002 World Cup but he has brought some good players through and is very popular with the squad.

“I think people should lay off him and support him as the squad regroups. Obviously some of us have stood down since last week but that has absolutely nothing to do with Brian. I’ve had a good time under him and I hope the FAI give him a new deal.”

Carr believes the time is right for him to quit the international stage, following the goalless draw with Switzerland last week.

“I have made my decision, and there is no going back for me now. I just feel the time is right to call it a day with Ireland.

“It was disappointing for the squad, the manager, and the whole country that we didn’t qualify for the World Cup.

“I would have loved to have represented my country in Germany next summer and maybe called it quits after that, but it wasn’t to be.”

The ex-Tottenham player, who won 39 caps for his country, continued: “Failing to qualify for the World Cup was a huge disappointment for me personally. I missed the last World Cup because of injury, and this time we ended up finishing fourth in the group so we didn’t go through.

“I think it’s time for me to stand aside now, and let some of the younger lads coming through to have the opportunity to play for Ireland. I’ll be 34 the next time the World Cup comes around and at that stage of my career I wouldn’t feel as though I could do myself or Ireland justice in the competition should we get through.”

Carr follows Roy Keane and Kenny Cunningham in announcing his international retirement.

Meanwhile, Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson has ruled out taking over as Ireland manager and said he will finish his managerial career at Old Trafford.

“When I’m finished here, I’m finished,” he said. “Believe me, you don’t leave Manchester United and go anywhere else, club or country. There won’t be another job.”

But despite pledging to end his career at United, Ferguson said he does not know when that will be.

“You never know, it could be any time. If you’re fit and healthy you are the happiest man in the world - and at the moment I feel fine,” he said. “But anyone could walk out the door and fall down dead. That’s any time.”

Bobby Robson also appears to have ruled himself out of becoming the next manager of the Republic. “I have no reaction to the stories. It is pure speculation. As far as I am concerned the FAI have a very good manager in Brian Kerr at the moment and I wish him well.”

Republic midfielder Graham Kavanagh also urged Merrion Square to stick with Kerr for the forthcoming European Championship campaign.

The 31-year-old Dubliner believes Kerr was harshly treated by the media in the wake of Ireland’s draw with Switzerland - “Brian has received a lot of unjustified stick from many sectors of the media in Ireland.

“He’s a passionate manager and shows excellent attention to detail. The media have changed at home and can’t wait to have a go at the manager without getting totally behind him.”

However Kavanagh also feels Roy Keane will have a role to play in a new Irish management team.

“It is certainly within Roy’s abilities to go into management soon and perhaps become involved on the Irish sideline. He has nearly all of his managerial badges and he would be inspirational. The players would react positively to him.”