It has been confirmed that Roy Keane will definitely not travel to the World Cup in Japan. In a statement issued by the former Irish captain, Keane said he believed the interests of the Irish team would best be served if he did not travel and that the 'damage had been done'. However, he said he wished the team and the management the best and urged the Irish people to give their support to the team.
In the statement, Keane said:
"In the interests of all genuine supporters of Irish football I believe that the time has now arrived when I should bring to a conclusion the continuing speculation with regard to my participation in the World Cup and for the players to concentrate fully on their preparations for the competition free from all further distraction.
"Whilst I appreciate all the support which I have received and all the efforts which have been made by a number of people on behalf of all the parties involved in this unfortunate matter, I do not consider that the best interests of Irish football will be served by my returning to the World Cup.
"The damage has been done," he added. I wish the team and the management all the best and they will have my full support throughout the competition.
"I urge all the people of Ireland to give their entire support to the team," he said.
The Football Association of Ireland are due to make a statement shortly.
Speculation mounted earlier that Keane was preparing to fly to Japan to rejoin the Republic of Ireland squad.
The reports suggested that travel arrangements were made for the player to leave for Izumo but Keane's agent Michael Kennedy suggested the reports were premature and said his client should be allowed time to consider his decision.
Several hundred people earlier gathered in protest outside the FAI headquarters in Merrion Square. One person was reported to have been arrested after throwing an egg but this could not be confirmed by the Garda press office.
More to follow...
