Republic of Ireland manager, Brian Kerr, has expressed his disappointment at the decision of goalkeeper Dean Kiely to retire from international football.
The Charlton Athletic goalkeeper announced today that he would be withdrawing right away from his involvement with the Irish international team.
Kiely had been one of three goalkeepers that Kerr had included in his squad of 24 players for next Wednesday's friendly against Norway at Lansdowne Road. The Irish manager said "I met with the player during the week and I have to accept his decision.
"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's last cap came when he started the friendly against Scotland at Hampden Park last February.
West Brom's Joe Murphy has been called into senior squad to fill the gap let by Kiely's absence. Murphy has been a regular member of Irish Under-21 squads and has fourteen U-21 caps to his name.
Kiely admitted that "It was an incredibly tough decision to take but I've been thinking about the situation for a while and I believe this is in the best interests of myself and Charlton."
Filed by Rob Wright
