Roy Keane insists he feels no guilt at his decision to snub a Republic of Ireland international comeback.
Keane turned his back on an international return last month citing worries over his fitness, despite giving new manager Brian Kerr a verbal assurance he would play for his country again. Kerr publicly criticised the Manchester United captain for his about-turn, and the timing of his announcement, which came just 24 hours before Ireland were due to take on Scotland in a Hampden Park friendly. However, the 31-year-old believes he had no choice given the medical evidence he was confronted with. "People were disappointed with the way it ended but I had to make a decision which benefited Roy Keane," he told MUTV. "Once I had made it I felt very comfortable with it. Deep down I knew I had made the right choice because I couldn't give 100 per cent for Manchester United and Ireland. "I don't feel guilty. I gave them good service and my hip couldn't have stood up to it, especially the travelling. I have to accept the criticism but I am not here to please everyone. "We had matches in Albania and Georgia coming up and then Liverpool the following Saturday morning. I knew for a fact I wouldn't be able to play in that game if I hadn't come back to the club until Thursday. Who is that fair on?" Keane claimed he was impressed by Kerr in his meetings with Mick McCarthy's successor and believes the future is bright for the Republic. "If it hadn't been for the hip I would have gone back," he said. "Brian Kerr came across very well and the future looks very good." --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.459 / Virus Database: 258 - Release Date: 25/02/2003 ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ---------------------~--> DVD Rentals with No Late Fees - Try Netflix for FREE! http://us.click.yahoo.com/abvVKB/pEZFAA/46VHAA/tsUolB/TM ---------------------------------------------------------------------~-> *************************************** Reply to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe to the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe from the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
