Keane is 'history', McCarthy says

Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy today said Roy Keane was ‘‘history’’ as he arrived with his squad in Japan to continue their World Cup preparations.

McCarthy was quizzed by Japanese journalists eager to hear more about the sensational Keane story, which has become the talk of the tournament.

But McCarthy twice had to apologise to local journalists in Izumo for refusing to answer their questions about the dramatic events of Thursday night when he banished his captain from the squad after a verbal bust-up in Saipan.

‘‘As far as I’m concerned that is history that part of the trip,’’ said McCarthy. ‘‘I am not going to field any more questions on the subject or discuss it.

‘‘I won’t discuss anybody’s opinion of it, criticism of it, analysis of it. I am moving on. I am only prepared to discuss from today onwards, and the 22 players I’ve got with me.

‘‘I apologise to the people who weren’t there to get my comments but it’s behind me, behind the other players and we’re all looking ahead to the tournament now.

‘‘My comments are available everywhere, you can find them on the internet, I am not going to discuss the issue again, we are talking forwards not backwards.

‘‘I went to Saipan for a rest and a bit of a break and then one or two of the props in the shaft fell in on my head for a few days. But we dug our way out and we are here and we are relaxed and enjoying it.’’

Now that the Republic are on mainland Japan and in the town of Izumo, the irony is that Keane would no doubt have been satisfied with the training facilities.

The squad trained at the Hamayama Sports Park Stadium on a perfect pitch, where they will play their final warm-up game tomorrow.

The locals are clearly delighted and excited to have McCarthy’s men here. They turned up at the airport to welcome the squad this morning waving Irish flags and banners of good luck.

Around the huge domed training area, which houses the biggest wooden structure in Japan, were banners in Irish which read Cead Mile Failte. Other messages told the locals to cheer for the Irish team during the tournament.

After training there was a reception attended by at least 2,000 people, during which the players and staff were presented with origami flower chains, bouquets and gifts.

Many people in the crowd wore replica Ireland shirts and they sang along to both national anthems which were played by two bands.

McCarthy added: ‘‘We are delighted with the reception and we have been made to feel very welcome. I knew it would be like this because we are now at our training camp in the country where the tournament is being played.

‘‘This is all part of the hype of the World Cup and I love it.’’