Republic of Ireland captain Roy Keane has been sensationally sent home from the squad's World Cup training camp in Saipan following his recent criticism of the team's preparations. Mick McCarthy and FAI officials are believed to have lost patience with the Cork man who was expected to be the main driving force behind Ireland's hopes in Japan and Korea.
The catalyst to the whole affair was a training ground bust-up between Keane and goalkeeping coach Packie Bonner on Tuesday. At that point Keane was ready to leave the Irish training camp on the Western Pacific island, but after talks with family, friends and Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson, he changed his mind. Earlier today Keane announced his retirement from the international game after the finals, citing his growing dissatisfaction with the the international set-up and the fact that he wanted to spend more time with his wife and four children.
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Filed by Shane Murray
