FAI: Criticism of players on TV led to statement

It has now emerged that the FAI and Mick McCarthy were close to brokering a deal, which would have led to the return of Roy Keane to Ireland’s World Cup squad, until last night’s RTE television interview.

It is believed Keane’s criticism of several players, brandishing them as "cowards", prompted the squad to release a statement, saying Keane would not be welcome back to Japan.

FAI spokesperson, John Delaney, says "These are people close to Roy he has criticised and what he has done now really is make a reconcilable situation totally irreconcilable."

The Irish squad this morning issued a statement backing McCarthy's decision. FAI press officer Brendan McKenna read the statement to a press conference.

It said: "Regrettably the manner of Roy's behaviour prior to his departure from Saipan and the comments attributed to him since have left the staff and players in no doubt that the interests of the squad are best served without Roy's presence. The players bear no malice towards Roy on a personal level and are looking forward to a successful World Cup campaign with the continued support of our loyal supporters both home and abroad."

Manchester United midfielder Keane told RTE he would not rule out a return to the squad, although he refused to apologise to McCarthy for the furious row which led to his expulsion. Keane has said that he is willing to return to Ireland's World Cup squad, but insisted that the ball is in the FAI and manager Mick McCarthy's court.

Keane was sent home last week after criticising Ireland's preparations for the competition and after verbally abusing McCarthy.

The Corkman said he was hurt by the events surrounding his dismissal. "The World Cup is the most important thing in my life," he said. "It really is."

Asked if he was willing to compromise with McCarthy, the player said: "I want to play for Ireland. We will have to wait and see. Probably yes. Nobody wants to play for Ireland as much as me."

However, Keane insisted that his conscience is clear about what happened and that it is up to the FAI and McCarthy to make conciliatory gestures. "It's out of my hands and I'm standing firm on what I believe," he said.