Noel Hunt says he is extremely surprised that an argument between Republic of Ireland international assistant manager Roy Keane and Harry Arter was made public.
Arter is not part of the Ireland squad for the UEFA Nations League game against Wales this week after telling manager Martin O'Neill that he wanted to concentrate on club football - he is currently on loan from Bournemouth to Cardiff.
However, O'Neill admitted today that a bust-up with Keane the week of the June friendly against the USA might have played a part in Arter's decision.
Former international Hunt (35), now player-assistant manager with League of Ireland Premier Division side Waterford FC, told the Soccer Republic Extra podcast that arguments were commonplace but discussing them openly with the media was not.
"It does happen. It's a case of people over-caring, wanting to win, tempers boiling over," he said. "But they are dealt with in-house.
"So when the manager came out and said it I was a bit shocked. That's not normally the procedure.
"Something clearly has gone on. Whatever way it went down, it's a little bit finnicky for me.
"Maybe it should have been kept quiet and dampened down."
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Hunt doubts that Arter has taken the decision purely out of concern for his club prospects. The 28-year-old has earned 15 caps since making his debut against England in 2015.
"You hear players doing that in the latter stages of their international career, and probably retiring from international duty to concentrate on club football for longevity. But Arter isn't the oldest of players.
"It doesn't wash with me. Obviously, something has gone on and both parties must not be happy so it's best that he's not involved."
Hunt, who played three times for Ireland, also expressed amazement that Declan Rice had turned down the opportunity to join the squad as he mulls over a possible switch to his native England.
"It's a bit disrespectful to the boys that are there. If I was involved now I'd be thinking, 'do I really want him involved? Is he committed to the country?'" said Hunt.
"It's an honour. It's probably the highlight and proudest moment of your life, outside of having kids.
"If someone is asked to play for their country, it should be just a given that it's done.
"From what I hear he's a lovely lad but obviously he's been advised to take a step back.
"But for me, you don't even think about being asked, you go."
Hunt believes that even if the players have misgivings they would still welcome a player of Rice's potential back into the squad.
" I'm sure he'll give his version of the story and the boys will go 'yeah no problem, we're in this together now.
"There's no doubt Ireland are in a bit of transition. he folk heroes of Richard Dunne, John O'Shea, Robbie Keane, Damien Duff are gone.
"It's been a bit mix and match but I feel we've got the bones of a really good squad and if we can bring through some of these young ones we could have a right go."
