Neil
06/06/2002, 4:18 PM
from unison.ie >
UNLESS Ireland win the World Cup, Mick McCarthy will always be pilloried by his critics for his handling of the Roy Keane controversy.
It's a no-win situation for McCarthy as he knows, in his heart of hearts, that the strength of togetherness in his squad will only carry the World Cup dream so far.
Indeed, defeat in Ibaraki against the Germany would leave the Irish facing first phase elimination and McCarthy wide open to flak from the pro-Roy brigade led by a self-seeking publicist of the airwaves.
But that would be to miss the point. When push came to shove, Roy Keane didn't want to play for Ireland enough to pick up the 'phone to McCarthy and express the mildest form of contrition.
That's the bottom line in all of this. If Roy Keane truly wanted to be in the World Cup trenches, he would be. But he's not and it's a call he chose to make himself.
more... (http://www.unison.ie/sportsdesk/stories.php3?ca=12&si=767207)
UNLESS Ireland win the World Cup, Mick McCarthy will always be pilloried by his critics for his handling of the Roy Keane controversy.
It's a no-win situation for McCarthy as he knows, in his heart of hearts, that the strength of togetherness in his squad will only carry the World Cup dream so far.
Indeed, defeat in Ibaraki against the Germany would leave the Irish facing first phase elimination and McCarthy wide open to flak from the pro-Roy brigade led by a self-seeking publicist of the airwaves.
But that would be to miss the point. When push came to shove, Roy Keane didn't want to play for Ireland enough to pick up the 'phone to McCarthy and express the mildest form of contrition.
That's the bottom line in all of this. If Roy Keane truly wanted to be in the World Cup trenches, he would be. But he's not and it's a call he chose to make himself.
more... (http://www.unison.ie/sportsdesk/stories.php3?ca=12&si=767207)