Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Dean Kiely has announced his retirement from international duty.
Kiely made his last of eight appearances in an Ireland jersey in the friendly against Scotland in February after getting his first cap in 1999.
The Charlton goalkeeper, who always had difficulty making the team ahead of Shay Given, made the decision based on prolonging his club career.
Manager Brian Kerr expressed 'disappointment' at the news but accepts Kiely's decision
"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 won the first of his eight caps when coming on as a substitute for Alan Kelly (Blackburn Rovers) in Ireland's European Championship play-off match against Turkey at Lansdowne Road in November 1999, a game which ended in a 1 - 1 draw.
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."
Joe Murphy called into senior squad Meanwhile Kerr acted quickly to fill the void created by Kiely and has called up Under-21 goalkeeper Joe Murphy from West Bromwich Albion.
Murphy has been a regular member of Irish Under-21 squads and has fourteen caps at this level to his name.