McShane quiet on Keane... almost

Republic of Ireland defender Paul McShane admits he still hurts following failure to qualify for the World Cup, while he can't help having a little dig at Roy Keane.

McShane was a member of the Ireland side controversially beaten to a place in next summer's finals in South Africa after a handball-assisted France goal three weeks ago, and was subsequently criticised by Roy Keane for not clearing the ball.

The 23-year-old, one of three Irish internationals at Hull along with Stephen Hunt and Kevin Kilbane, was in close proximity as Thierry Henry handled to set up William Gallas' winner in Paris.

McShane said: 'It still hurts, when you see the draw and stuff. It was very disappointing for me, Hunty and Kevin.

'Sometimes you just feel sick but we've got to get it out of our systems and move on. Hopefully I'll get another chance to play in a World Cup.'

McShane was criticised by Ipswich manager Keane, his former manager at Sunderland, for failing to clear the ball before it reached Henry.

McShane has no interest in opening up a war of words with the Cork man but admits the attention he has received since the France clash has been remarkable.

'It is just surreal,' he said. 'I'm probably the most famous person in the world at the moment!

'I played under Roy Keane for a couple of years so I know exactly what he's like. It doesn't bother me.

'I don't know what goes on between his ears, so I've nothing to say about that.'

McShane faces a reunion with Gallas as Hull travel to Arsenal next week.

He said: 'I'm going to bury him! Only joking, I'll just move on. He just had to head it in. Hopefully we'll pick some points up.'

McShane has at least had some fun since he returned from international duty last month.

The former West Brom player was credited by Jimmy Bullard for dreaming up the team's comic goal celebration at Manchester City last month, when the midfielder reprised manager Phil Brown's famous on-pitch Eastlands team talk.

'It was my idea,' said McShane. 'I want compensation off Jimmy - he's been everywhere in the press!

'I was just going to bed and brushing my teeth and it came to me. I thought that would be a good celebration.

'I was dying to score but Jimmy was probably the best man to do it and he did it well.'

Hull host Blackburn at the KC Stadium tomorrow looking to get back to winning ways after their four-game unbeaten run in the Barclays Premier League was ended at Aston Villa last week.

The Tigers must make do without star man Bullard, out for up to eight weeks with a knee injury, while defenders Anthony Gardner and Andy Dawson are doubts.