McAteer urges Keane to return

Jason McAteer has urged Roy Keane to put the past behind him and return to the Republic of Ireland fold.

Keane insisted he would not play for Ireland boss Mick McCarthy again following his World Cup walkout.

But McCarthy’s departure yesterday has left the way clear for a comeback and McAteer insists the Manchester United captain would be welcomed back.

McAteer told UK station talkSport’s “No Nonsense Sports Breakfast”: “I am a big fan of Roy Keane – he is a world-class player and we are going to benefit from having him.

“After all that has gone on between me and Roy I do actually like Roy. What happened is part and parcel of football. I am not going to walk away and say I hate Roy Keane for what happened because I don’t. At the end of 90 minutes you shake each others’ hand and get on with it.”

McAteer and Keane had a much-publicised bust-up which culminated in the United star being red-carded for elbowing McAteer in the Premiership clash at the Stadium of Light in August.

McAteer had previously said he would “rather buy a Bob The Builder CD for my two-year-old son” than read a copy of Keane’s controversial autobiography.

He added: “You can never question Roy’s commitment, talent or experience. But he made the decision to walk away from the World Cup. He had his own reasons, and whatever they were, the decision was up to him.”