Carr calls time on international career as Givens baffled by defender’s decision

WITH the lack of defensive options concerning caretaker manager Don Givens, it was perhaps all too appropriate yesterday that Irish football should lose yet another defender but this time for good.

Newcastle United’s Stephen Carr confirmed that he is hanging up his international boots after injury curtailed Carr’s involvement under Steve Staunton to just three games.

The 31-year-old said: “I feel honoured to have represented the Republic of Ireland on 44 occasions and have thoroughly enjoyed my international career. It is a chance now for the FAI to re-build for the future. There are many good young people coming out of Ireland, like Kevin Foley, at Wolves who should get the opportunity to play now.”