8.30am
DUBLIN - Former Ireland soccer captain Roy Keane has ruled out a return to his country's squad for the World Cup finals.
"I do not consider that the best interests of Irish football will be served by my returning to the World Cup," the Manchester United midfielder said in a statement
given to Irish state broadcaster RTE today.
"The damage has been done," he added.
Keane was sent home by manager Mick McCarthy last Thursday after the pair were involved in a row, but there had been speculation that the player might return if he apologised.
Keane's statement ends speculation that he was set to apologise to McCarthy over the comments, paving the way for a dramatic return to the team, who play Cameroon in their opening game of the finals on Saturday in Niigata.
"In the interests of all genuine supporters of Irish football, I believe that the time has now arrived when I should bring to a conclusion the continuing speculation with regard to my participation in the World Cup and for the players to concentrate fully on their preparations for the competition free from all further distraction," his statement read.
Keane, Ireland's only world-class player, said he appreciated the support which he had received and all the efforts which had been made by a number of people on behalf of all the parties involved in the matter.
He described the whole affair as "unfortunate".
"I wish the team and the management all the best and they will have my full support throughout the competition," his statement went on.
"I urge all the people of Ireland to give their entire support to the team. I do not feel that any useful purpose will be served by my making any further comment."
The remaining 22 players in the Ireland squad are now in a training camp in Izumo, Japan, preparing for their opening match in group F, which also includes Germany and Saudi Arabia.
nzherald.co.nz/fifaworldcup
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