Former Irish soccer captain Roy Keane has yet to be contacted by anybody from or acting for the FAI regarding the events of last summer which led to Keane leaving the World Cup camp. Keane has indicated he would be willing to speak about what happened.
Keane left the Irish squad in Saipan after a furious row with manager Mick McCarthy. The FAI announced soon afterwards that it was launching an inquiry into the affair and Mr Maurice O'Connell former governor of the Central Bank was appointed to co-ordinate the inquiry. The services of consultancy group Genesis were also retained. In a lengthy interview in today's Irish Times, Keane admits he is willing to take a portion of the blame for what happened in Saipan and that he would be prepared to talk to an FAI investigation.
"The inquiry? Well I haven't been approached. Maybe so. I think if you say the things I've said you should be prepared to speak. If I have to answer the FAI then I will."
Keane shows a similarly relaxed attitude to the controversy still brewing over his infamous tackle on the Manchester City player Alf Inge Haaland 18 months ago. In his recent book Keane, The Autobiography, he admits he intended to hurt Haaland in the game. There have been calls for Keane to be prosecuted and the FA are investigating the possibility of a further suspension. Haaland and Manchester City have also announced intended legal action.
"If I have to go to court I will. My attitude is like . . . relax everybody. Myself first of all. It's only a book. I was being honest about football and the way it is played."
Keane says Haaland finished the game in question and his injury problems since then have related to his other leg. In 13 years playing at the highest levels in England, Keane points out that his record is otherwise good. "I'm not saying that I'm an angel but I've played professionally for 13 years now. I've been involved in two tackles where players have been injured and taken off. Once when I played at Forest against Nigel Winterburn. I got given the free kick. Once playing for United against Dennis Wise of Chelsea. He jumped in late and injured himself. I got the free again. I get hurt every week.
"I play in the middle of the park as a ball-winner. People want to hurt me. I want to hurt them. It's not the same as wanting to injure them or end their career. People need to chill out a little bit."
Keane expresses regret at the manner in which his 11-year international career ended but says he is at peace with his decision and is happy to put the matter to rest soon.
"I should have left Saipan when I first said I was going. I'd just come to the end with regard to working with Mick McCarthy and his assistant [Ian Evans]. The whole shambles of it really. I feel as strongly about that today but nobody wanted it to end the way it did, even I didn't.
"I'm sure Mick will have his say soon. I'll have to accept that. I've had my say. I'm happy to put it to rest now and let Mick and the players get on with it."
Ireland play their first competitive game since the World Cup in Moscow next Saturday, a game which Keane confesses he'll "miss playing in".