Dean Kiely has walked out on the Republic of Ireland squad, putting his international future in jeopardy.
Keeper turns his back on Ireland squad
Dean Kiely has walked out on the Republic of Ireland squad, putting his international future in jeopardy.
The West Brom goalkeeper left the Irish camp after being informed by national coach Giovanni Trapattoni that he would not feature in a friendly against Nigeria on Friday.
With first choice No.1 Shay Given back in the fold, and with Keiren Westwood likely to be given an opportunity to shine, Kiely was destined to spend the game on the bench.
He subsequently decided that he did not wish to take any part in the fixture and informed the coaching staff that he was heading home.
Trapattoni has revealed his disappointment at the distracting episode and admits he will need to think carefully before calling upon the Baggies man again.
"I had to inform these new players that they can play," Trapattoni said.
"All the team accepts this situation but there was some disappointment for Dean Kiely. He wanted to go with his family.
"If he stayed with us, it's better, but he wished to go. He said he was a bit disappointed, he thought he had an opportunity. We have other options.
"I'm a bit disappointed. I have to respect the older players. But my job is to look forward at other situations. In the future we will see what happens."
Confidence
Meanwhile, national skipper Robbie Keane is hoping Ireland can carry their recent fine form through the Nigeria game and onto the more pressing matter of a World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria on 6th June.
"We're in good shape, confidence is high. Bulgaria is the bigger picture. As long as the players don't get any injuries, that's the main thing," said the Tottenham striker.
Keane has also admitted that he will take time out to give a few words of advice to the younger members of the Ireland set-up this week, with many of them experiencing life in the senior fold for the first time.
"The senior players always have responsibility," he said. "But they've been around for a while at club level also.
"Niall Quinn was great at doing that for me. He's been a great friend and if you have any problems, you could always give him a call and speak to him. It was great to have someone like him around, he was always there to put an arm around your shoulder and have a word to help you out.
"You have to give the youngsters a chance eventually. We need a few new faces because they are the future. They deserve the opportunity."
