Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson doesn't expect Roy Keane's international retirement to prolong his career - but at least the Irishman should now see out the remainder of his four-year Old Trafford contract.
Keane announced this week that he was turning his back on a Republic return on medical advice, angering new Ireland chief Brian Kerr who thought the 31-year-old would make himself available again after his summer World Cup walk-out.
Old Trafford officials moved quickly to absolve Ferguson of any blame for the decision, confirming that the long-standing hip problem which required surgery at the start of the season had threatened Keane's entire career.
The Cork-born player did discuss retirement but decided to carry on playing after receiving specialist advice on his preparation for matches.
He is almost certain to skipper United into their crunch FA Cup tie with Arsenal at Old Trafford tomorrow, with Ferguson hoping his influential leader will still be around when his present deal expires in 2006.
"I don't think this decision will extend Roy's career," said Ferguson. "That's not the way we were looking at it.
"We just want to make sure he sees out his contract.
"He needs to get proper preparation for games and we have done a lot of stretching exercises with him this week so he will be ready for tomorrow's game."
Ironically, it was Keane's dismissal in the last FA Cup meeting between the Premiership heavyweights which formed an integral part of what went on to become one of the greatest semi-finals the tournament has ever seen.