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Keane quits international football

Keane is the second player to quit the Ireland national side this week

DUBLIN, Ireland -- Manchester United and Republic of Ireland star Roy Keane has confirmed he is quitting international football after his team's failure to qualify for the 2006 World Cup.

In a statement released to the Irish national broadcaster RTE, Keane said "the time has come to concentrate on domestic football".

The 34-year-old midfielder paid tribute to beleaguered Irish manager Brian Kerr, saying criticism of him in the media was "unjust and unfair".

"Like all football supporters in the country I am disappointed that the Republic of Ireland failed to qualify for the World Cup finals," Keane said.

"I feel the time has come when I should retire from international football and concentrate on domestic football for whatever remains of my career."

Keane had returned to the Ireland squad in a bid to help them qualify for the World Cup in Germany after being kicked out of the team following a disagreement at the 2002 World Cup finals with then manager Mick McCarthy over preparations.

The appointment of Kerr in 2003 eventually led to the controversial return of Keane to the international arena in 2004.

His decision follows that of captain Kenny Cunningham, who announced his international retirement after Ireland's World Cup exit was confirmed by a 0-0 draw with Switzerland on Wednesday.

Keane, who won 66 international caps, did not play in Ireland's last two World Cup qualifying matches because of a broken foot.

He said last month he was likely to leave Manchester United at the end of the season, indicating he might play at another club or in another country.

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