Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy today said the row with Roy Keane was "history" as he arrived with his squad in Japan to continue their World Cup preparations.
McCarthy was quizzed by Japanese journalists eager to hear more about the sensational Keane story, which has become the talk of the tournament.
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But McCarthy twice had to apologise to local journalists in Izumo for refusing to answer their questions about the dramatic events of Thursday night when he banished his captain from the squad after a verbal bust-up in Saipan.
"As far as I'm concerned that is history that part of the trip," said McCarthy. "I am not going to field any more questions on the subject or discuss it.
"I won't discuss anybody's opinion of it, criticism of it, analysis of it. I am moving on. I am only prepared to discuss from today onwards, and the 22 players I've got with me.
"I apologise to the people who weren't there to get my comments but it's behind me, behind the other players and we're all looking ahead to the tournament now.
"My comments are available everywhere, you can find them on the internet, I am not going to discuss the issue again, we are talking forwards not backwards.
"I went to Saipan for a rest and a bit of a break and then one or two of the props in the shaft fell in on my head for a few days. But we dug our way out and we are here and we are relaxed and enjoying it."
PA