THE REPUBLIC of Ireland captain, Andy Townsend, has denied reports that he is about to quit playing international football but hinted that he would bow out at the end of the current World Cup campaign.

The Aston Villa skipper and midfielder was reported to be considering bowing out at international level sooner rather than later in order to protect and prolong his career at club level.

It was said that the non stop, often 12 months a year, schedule of an international footballer was beginning to be a strain for Townsend who at 33 is the oldest member by several years of Villa manager Brian Little's squad.

But he stressed yesterday that he wants to play his full part in helping the Republic in their campaign to reach the 1998 finals in France.

Townsend said: "I might have been quoted as saying that after the World Cup I might be calling it a day. I don't think that would be a major surprise to people as I would be 35 then.

"But to say that I am quitting now is way off the mark. I want to play for Ireland if we get to the World Cup finals and before then I want to help them achieve that target."

Manager Mick McCarthy said: "I'm sure Andy would have told me if he had any intention of quitting but I've heard nothing."