Stapleton: 'Club had huge influence on Keane'

Former Manchester United and Ireland striker Frank Stapleton believes the club will have had a big influence on Roy Keane's decision to retire from international football.

Stapleton told TalkSPORT: “I’m not really surprised. There were some indications that he might come back into the international fold but I think it is a lot to do with Manchester United.

“The manager might have said, ‘We want you for the next two to three years, you’ve had some injuries and the less games you play the better for us’.

“That is where his wages are paid and that is a big influence.

“Alan Shearer has looked fantastic since giving up international football. People are clamouring for him to come back but I don’t think he would be doing as well if he was playing international football.

“When you are in your thirties it is difficult to maintain the same standards.”