World Cup Latest: McCarthy sends rebel Keane packing

Roy Keane is flying home.

Manchester United, who finished third in last season's Premiership, may worship their inspirational captain Roy Keane, but Ireland's tough-talking manager Mick McCarthy isn't a member of Keane's fan club, not anymore at least. McCarthy has sent Keane home, having excluded him from his World Cup twenty-three, insisting that Keane will not play a part in these Championships.

The black clouds began to loom large over Keane's head following a fierce training ground bust up with Pat Bonner and Alan Kelly last week. Keane retained his place in the squad however following a long conversation with both his agent, Michael Kennedy, and United boss Alex Ferguson, but after another outburst at a clear-the-air meeting with McCarthy today, Keane has been told in no uncertain terms that he will not be featuring in the Irish bid for the World Cup.

FAI executive John Delaney said "This is clearly a bridge too far but the FAI is fully behind Mick, it is most unlikely there will be any going back"

Mark Wallis
www.thelittlegazette.com