No place for Roy - McCarthy
Wednesday, 7 August 2002Mick McCarthy will tomorrow announce his 22-man squad for the European Championship warm-up game against Finland in Helsinki on 21st August. There will be no place for Roy Keane however as neither party has shifted on their stances held since their World Cup bust-up.
McCarthy, who was returning from holiday, said, "The player has apparently stated he will not play for his country again until there is a change of management. I am still very proud to be manager of the Republic of Ireland and very much looking forward to the next two years and the European Championship qualifying campaign and those matches against Russia, Georgia, Switzerland and Albania."
"There is no point in asking Roy to join the squad in such circumstances. We must prepare for the future and with Niall Quinn, Steve Staunton and Alan Kelly having retired from international football, there will be a chance for some of the younger players to stake their claims for further international recognition."
Into that category come Millwall midfielder Steven Reid, new Birmingham striker Clinton Morrison and Newcastle's Andy O'Brien - with fellow defender John O'Shea possibly keeping alive Manchester United's Irish connection.
Filed by Johnny Proby
