Ferguson urges Keane to quit international game
Sunday, 2 February 2003 10:38
Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson has urged Roy Keane to follow Alan Shearer's example by quitting international football to concentrate on his Old Trafford career. "I'll sit down with Roy and let him know what I think. But you only have to look at how Alan Shearer has benefited from not playing for England to see that it can help players of Roy's age," said Ferguson.
Keane missed the Republic of Ireland's World Cup campaign after being sent home after a furious row with former manager Mick McCarthy, but expectations are now high that The 31-year-old could return to international duty under new manager Brian Kerr.
However, Ferguson believes recent injuries could see his captain retire from the international scene. Ferguson told a British newspaper: "People are assuming that he is just going to go straight back into international football. But the situation is more complicated than that. I think the medical staff who look after Roy may be the key people in him reaching his decision."
Filed by James Boylan.
