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Keane backs down after quit threat

Keane: Change of heart

SAIPAN, Mariana Islands -- Ireland coach Mick McCarthy is trying to restore peace in the camp after volatile captain Roy Keane threatened to walk out.

The Manchester United midfielder reportedly clashed with goalkeeping coach Packie Bonner during training then said he would quit. But by Wednesday morning he had changed his mind.

At first McCarthy played down the confrontation saying: "Packie has bigger arguments with his son over his homework."

But on Tuesday evening he telephoned Celtic midfielder Colin Healy and told him to join the squad, only to stand him down on Wednesday morning after Keane, who has 57 caps and nine goals for Ireland, had a change of heart.

Keane, who fought back from a knee injury to make the squad, was reportedly angered because Ireland's three goalkeepers -- Shay Given, Dean Kiely and Alan Kelly -- were given a break from a training match in the heat which prompted an argument with goalkeeper coach Packie Bonner and Kelly.

MORE STORIES • Irish put faith in Mick's men

Later the coach said: "He (Keane) was concerned about his knee and some personal problems and asked to go home. It was a bit of a shock.

"This is one of those things and it comes with the territory. I'd like to have had a lovely restful week and not deal with this, but we'll get on with it. The lads are the best bunch you will ever meet and they will get on with it."

Ireland opens in Group E against Cameroon in Nigata, Japan, on June 1. Germany and Saudi Arabia complete the group.