International News: Brian Kerr last night appeared to be facing into a wait of up to two weeks before learning whether Roy Keane will be making himself available for selection by the new manager of the Irish senior soccer team. Emmet Malone reports.

The two men met for more than three hours at a hotel close to Manchester United's Carrington training ground yesterday to discuss the 31-year old's exile from international football; but it is believed the Corkman intends to mull over the contents of the conversation with his family and club manager, Alex Ferguson, before making up his mind on a possible return.

Sources close to the player said that he will take whatever time he feels is necessary before making his intentions known.

Kerr had originally hoped that Keane's decision would be made ahead of next Wednesday's game in Scotland; but that now looks almost entirely out of the questions.

Those close to Keane say it is up to the Republic of Ireland manager to decide whether he wishes to put a deadline on the proceedings; but it is expected that as long as the situation is clarified within a month, thereby giving Kerr sufficient notice before he has to name his squad for Ireland's next competitive game at the end of March, then he is unlikely to force the issue.

In the absence of such a deadline, Keane is expected by his friends to make his mind up within a matter of two weeks or so.

Kerr is believed to have made the case yesterday that team affairs will be run far more tightly now that he is in charge and it is also believed he has conceded that the former Ireland skipper need no longer take part in friendly games.

There was some speculation yesterday that Keane might not even be asked to play in all competitive fixtures; although, aside from potentially undermining Kerr's position as he attempts to establish his authority in his new job, such a move would seem likely to generate further bad feeling with other members of the senior panel.

Another difficulty, of course, would be deciding what practical difference the concession would make in the light of the Republic's dismal start to their European Championship qualifying campaign and the need to make up considerable ground on their main rivals over the course of the year ahead.