Ten years after making his debut for the Republic of Ireland, Jason McAteer announced his retirement from international football yesterday - but told Brian Kerr that if he was ever "stuck" to give him a call.
"He rang me, said 'it looks like you're doing alright without me' and told me he was retiring," said Kerr yesterday.
"He said if I was ever stuck then he'd be available, 'no problem'. I was delighted that he rang, firstly to tell me his decision and, secondly, to say that he hadn't ruled out ever playing again.
"He's been a fantastic player for Ireland, but I didn't get much of a chance to use him since I came in.
"I gave him a run against Brazil and had hoped to use him again, but injury-wise he's probably suffered a bit of wear and tear from all the service he's given his clubs over the years. He has made a decision that he felt needed to be made. He's changed clubs now and has taken on more responsibility at Tranmere."
"To retire from competing for your country is probably the toughest decision for any sportsman," said McAteer yesterday.
"I have always been immensely proud to represent Ireland and have always given 100 per cent.
"However, I am now 33 and have suffered with a couple of injuries in recent years which have affected me, both mentally and physically, so I feel the time is right to step aside and let the talented youngsters have a go.
"We are lucky to have some cracking players coming through and it would be great to help these boys develop with the national side."
McAteer won a total of 52 caps, his last against Brazil in February. He played in two World Cup finals (America and Japan/South Korea) and perhaps his most memorable moment was when he scored the winning goal against Holland at Lansdowne Road in the 2002 World Cup qualifiers.
He was released by Mick McCarthy at Sunderland at the end of last season, returning to his native Merseyside to join Tranmere.
"I'm grateful that he was considerate enough to give me a call and talk things through before announcing his decision," said Kerr.
"I wish him all the very best."
Birthplace: Birkenhead
Date of birth: June 18th, 1971
Irish Caps: 52 (3 goals)
Irish debut: v Russia, March 23rd, 1994
Last Irish cap: v Brazil, February 18th, 2004
International highlights: Two World Cups (1994 and 2002), only goal of game against Holland at Lansdowne Road in the 2002 World Cup qualifiers. Clubs: Bolton (1992-1995), Liverpool (1995-1999, £4.5 million), Blackburn (1999-2001, £4 million), Sunderland (2001-2004, £1 million), Tranmere (2004-present, free).
