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.