Mick McCarthy has revealed that Roy Keane apologised to him in 2006 over the Saipan incident that led to the Corkman being sent home from the 2002 World Cup.
Speaking to the Sunday Independent, the Ipswich manager said that the pair had arranged to settle their differences ahead of the meeting of their then-sides Wolves and Sunderland eight years ago.
"I rang him up and said: 'Look this is going to be a circus if we don't meet and have a chat'," said McCarthy.
"So I arranged to meet him. I drove to a hotel in Manchester and we had a chat.
“We didn't get into depth about it (Saipan), but he apologised to me and I said: 'Fine.' And that was it, done. And I've felt that way ever since."
McCarthy also revealed that he had been contacted by the FAI ahead of the appointment of Martin O’Neill and Keane as Ireland’s new management team, and had been surprised that the FAI were prepared to accept the Corkman, given his vocal criticism of the Association in the past.
"I guess I was surprised that that marriage between himself and the FAI could be mended, bearing in mind all that had been said," said McCarthy.
"I didn't know they (O'Neill and Keane) were close."
Asked on Monday if he had rolled his eyes when he saw the report, Keane replied with a smile: "Well, I roll my eyes most mornings. It doesn't surprise me. I have no problem."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMbIfEbMjqg