McAteer may call it quits after World Cup

Jason McAteer has revealed he will consider retiring from international football after this World Cup.

The Sunderland midfielder hopes to win his 50th cap in Sunday’s last 16 clash with Spain in Suwon, but he may bring down the curtain on his Republic of Ireland career if and when the team depart this tournament.

‘‘It would be lovely to reach 50 caps, it is a big thing and it puts a little seed in my head for when I reach the end of the tournament,’’ said McAteer.

‘‘I shall have to speak to a few people when I get back but if I get to 50 caps it would be a case of reaching a landmark and going out at the top.

‘‘I shall be 31 in June and a lot of players are trying to prolong their playing careers at club level by taking a step down from international football. I am at that stage of my career where I have got to think about it.

‘‘I know it seems a bit young but I have been with Ireland for nine years and I have seen managers and players come and go. It will be something to address with my family and the staff of the team.

‘‘It is something I have been thinking about and talking to friends about. A few players are going to retire at the end of this campaign and there would only be me left from Jack Charlton’s reign, so it is something to think about, but I am not saying it is definitely going to happen.

‘‘I believe this team can qualify for the European Championships, but there are younger players coming through and I have noticed I am picking up injuries more easily over the last couple of years. The game has become quicker and more physical.’’

McAteer made his international debut in March 1994 in a friendly against Russia and is playing in his second World Cup finals. He has scored three goals for the Republic.

He believes that by hanging up his international boots he can prolong his Sunderland career under Peter Reid.

He said: ‘‘I got a great move to Sunderland and am playing for an absolutely fantastic manager, who I class as a friend as well. It would be sad to get an injury which stops me playing for him because I love playing for Sunderland and hopefully I can prolong my career and play a lot of years there rather than a few.

‘‘The games come thick and fast and you don’t really get a rest, and I have found myself going to internationals not fully fit. Then when you go home it is not ideal preparation for the Premier League.’’

McAteer hit the headlines last week after admitting he lied to Republic boss Mick McCarthy about his fitness ahead of the opening World Cup Group E game against Cameroon, claiming his injured knee was fine.

He aggravated the injury and was taken off in the second half, and failed to get his place back for the second game against Germany. But he came off the bench in the final group game against Saudi Arabia.

McAteer insisted his knee would hold up if he was selected to play against Spain, but has prepared himself for the worst.

‘‘The knee is OK and I am doing everything possible to prove to Mick that I should be playing,’’ he said.

‘‘It is not going to get any better until it gets complete rest and that is something I am hoping to do after the end of June.

‘‘I am half expecting not to play so that the disappointment is not too bad.

‘‘If I was expecting to play and then he said I wasn’t, I think I would be gutted.’’