Roy Keane shrugged off his "personal problems" and trained with the rest of his Republic of Ireland team-mates in Saipan this morning.
The Manchester United and Republic of Ireland skipper sent shockwaves through the camp last night when he told manager Mick McCarthy he wanted to go home, citing personal problems and concerns about his troublesome knee as the reasons.
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Roy Keane shares a joke at this morning's training session.
Photo:REUTERS |
Keane dramatically changed his mind a few hours later - after McCarthy had telephoned Celtic's Colin Healy to tell him he was calling him into the squad as Keane's replacement - but Keane changed his mind and returned to the squad and will now lead the team at the World Cup finals in Korea and Japan.
McCarthy revealed that he intends to invite Healy to the World Cup anyway to ease his disappointment.
When the dust had settled on the Western Pacific island this morning, Keane trained as normal and came through unscathed.
There was a great show of togetherness from the players, who gave each other piggy-backs and linked arms as forms of bonding.
"Roy trained this morning and is absolutely fine," said McCarthy.
"He has had a change of heart and I am delighted. He should be playing in the World Cup because he is one of the best players in the world.
"Roy plays for one of the biggest clubs in the world week in, week out, and I have no worries about him."
McCarthy is also confident the whole Keane saga will not affect the rest of his squad.
He added: "Team morale is brilliant, there are no worries about that. The lads are the best bunch you will ever meet and they will get on with it."
McCarthy dismissed suggestions that Keane wanted to quit the squad following an incident with goalkeeping coach Packie Bonner after training yesterday.
Keane was reportedly angry because the Republic's three goalkeepers - Shay Given, Dean Kiely and Alan Kelly - did not take part in five-a-side practice matches.
Bonner had worked the keepers for 40 minutes before the rest of the World Cup squad arrived and decided to rest them - much to the consternation of the squad captain.
Aggrieved that outfield players had to stand in goal and try to save the ball with their feet, Keane clashed with coach Ian Evans, Bonner and Kelly before he was calmed by McCarthy.
PA