Holland leaves international scene

News: Charlton Athletic midfielder Matt Holland has confirmed his retirement from international football, citing his desire to spend more time with his family and to concentrate on extending his club career as the reasons for his departure from the Republic of Ireland set-up.

The 31-year-old had previously said he would call it a day at the end of the recent World Cup campaign but his silence in the months since had suggested he might have undergone a change of heart.

In an interview at the weekend, however, he said he had now made up his mind that the draw with Switzerland in October was his last game for Ireland and that he had, in recent weeks, resisted an attempt by Stephen Staunton to persuade him to stay on.

"I have got to think about the future and what is right for me," he said. "I'm 32 in April and want to carry on playing for Charlton for as long as possible. Not playing international football and all it entails will help me to do that.

"It will also," he added, "give me more time with my family, which is very important to me, while giving me a chance to plan for the future."

Commenting on Holland's decision yesterday, Staunton remarked that "during his Ireland career Matt was a player who led by example and always gave 100 per cent. He is a great professional and has been a loyal servant for Ireland who deserves great respect for his efforts over the course of his 49 appearances for the Republic.

"I spoke to Matt and he explained his reasons for the decision," continued Staunton "which I fully appreciate. We'll miss him over the course of the coming campaign but I want to wish him all the very best for the future".

Holland made his debut against Macedonia in October 1999. He scored five goals, most memorably the one that earned Ireland a draw away to Portugal on the way to the 2002 World Cup finals and one against Cameroon in the tournament's group stages. He is the first player to confirm his departure since Staunton succeeded Brian Kerr as manager of the team. The new man attempted to persuade him to remain involved for one more campaign but Holland's frustration with the time he was required to spend away from his family had long been an issue.

Asked about the timing of his decision Holland said: "I'd near enough made up my mind when I walked off the pitch after the Switzerland game but I was wrapped up in the disappointment of not qualifying for the World Cup so I gave it a while before finalising my decision. I realise now that it is the right time to quit."

He expressed his sympathy for Kerr but added that he was not surprised by the Dubliner's departure: "football is a results business," he observed.

He subsequently voiced support for his former international team-mate Staunton, remarking that, "he has the respect of the players, has worked under top managers and will give everything to the cause. He did it as a player for Ireland and will do it as boss."