Kerr disappointed as Kiely quits international football

Ireland's Charlton Athletic goalkeeper Dean Kiely has retired from international football.

The eight-times capped player revealed to international manager Brian Kerr during the week that he had come to his decision.

Kerr has expressed his disappointment with the decision: "I met with the player during the week and I have to accept his decision, said Kerr. He is an excellent goalkeeper who I selected in my first match in charge but I am disappointed that he has decided to stand down."

Kiely admitted it was an incredibly tough decision to make: "I've been thinking about the situation for a while and I believe this is in the best interests of myself and Charlton."

Kiely had been one of three goalkeepers manager Kerr had included in his squad of 24 players for next Wednesday's friendly against Norway at Lansdowne Road.

Kiely won the first of his eight caps when coming on as a substitute for Alan Kelly in Ireland's Euro 2000 play-off against Turkey at Lansdowne Road in November 1999, a game which ended in a 1-1 draw.

His last cap came when Brian Kerr named him to start the friendly against Scotland at Hampden Park last February, a game the Irish won 2-0. He was later replaced in that match by Nick Colgan.

Following Kiely's departure, U21 goalkeeper Joe Murphy of West Bromwich Albion has been called up to the senior Irish squad.