Keane still eligible to return to Ireland World Cup challenge (31.05.2002)
SEOUL
Hot-headed midfielder Roy Keane is still eligible to return to Ireland`s World Cup challenge despite storming out of his team`s camp after a row with coach Mick McCarthy, a FIFA spokesman said here on Friday.
Keane would remain on the official list of Irish players but the letter `A` next to his name will signify that he is absent, said spokesman Keith Cooper.
"As long as he is on the list, he is eligible to play," he added.
Cooper denied press reports that the Football Association of Irelandhad asked for Keane to be replaced by Celtic`s Colin Healy but said FIFA was considering whether Ireland could call up another player.
"We have not received any official application bearing the name of Colin Healy," Cooper told a press conference.
"However, the FAI have
asked us to consider this case and that is what we are doing and it will be dealt with later today by the World Cup organising committee," he added.
Ireland`s squad was reduced to 22 after Keane was ordered home last week following a slanging match with McCarthy.
Under FIFA rules, a player can only normally be replaced if he is injured, which is not the case with Manchester United midfielder Keane.
On Wednesday Keane ruled out any chance of a return to the Irish squad, snubbing a lifeline by manager McCarthy that a `sincere apology` could earn him a recall.
"I do not consider that the best interests of Irish football will be served by my returning to the World Cup. The damage has been done," Keane said.
Ireland`s opening Group E match is on Saturday against Cameroon in Niigata, Japan.
