Steve Staunton has admitted his decision to quit international football with the Republic of Ireland is enabling him to extend his career with Aston Villa.
Staunton played his last game for his country in the 2002 World Cup finals after winning a record-breaking 102 caps.
He said the breaks during international weeks and this summer would be beneficial and he has already earned a new one-year contract with Villa that will take him up to the age of 35.
Staunton said: "I enjoyed every minute of playing for Ireland and it was a great honour to win over 100 caps. But I always had it in the back of my mind that I would retire after last summer's World Cup.
"If I had carried on for the European Championship qualifiers, it would have meant travelling all over the place for another two years and I didn't want that.
"It was the right time for me and I don't regret it but then I've never regretted anything I've done in my career," Staunton said.
"I've been able to spend more time with my family and I think the breaks have also helped in enabling me to maintain a decent standard with Villa".
Staunton has just recovered from a double hernia operation and is expected to have more surgery in the near future to clear up an ankle problem.
PA