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Irish PM offers help in Keane row

Keane, left, and McCarthy: Clear-the-air talks became a "slanging match"

DUBLIN, Republic of Ireland -- Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern has offered to step into the row between Ireland captain Roy Keane and manager Mick McCarthy after the midfielder was sent home in disgrace from the World Cup.

His office has reportedly been deluged by pleas from fans hoping he can make peace and get their hero back in the squad.

"I can confirm the Taoiseach (prime minister) has contacted both the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) and Keane and the offer is there if he can be of any assistance to mediate," a spokeswoman told Reuters on Friday.

Ahern has been careful not to take sides, saying only it was "very unfortunate that events, which are not fully clear, have conspired to deprive the Irish team of Roy Keane's great talent."

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Keane said he had "no regrets" about his behaviour. The fans' hero condemned Ireland's preparations for the campaign in Japan and South Korea. McCarthy then said he was "insulted" by Keane during a clear-the-air meeting on Thursday and ordered the captain to go home. (Full story)

McCarthy, quoted in the London Evening Standard, remained defiant, saying: "As long as I am in charge of the Ireland team he will not play for us. After what he said to me the other night, I could not tolerate his return to the squad.

"I am in charge of team affairs and if it ever happens that someone else tries to force a player on me, I quit."

But FAI secretary Des Casey said: "This show is not over until the fat lady sings."

FAI chief executive Brendan Menton was heading to Japan on Friday and Casey, quoted by the Press Association, said: "I am quite sure he will vigorously explore the possibilities of a reconciliation. He will leave no stone unturned.

"The manager has total autonomy and his line has been supported by our executive. But the real tragedy is that we would not be in the World Cup without the input of Roy Keane and the players on the pitch, together with Mick McCarthy in his managerial role.

"I am sure everybody is clinging to the hope that there is a possibility -- albeit a very slim possibility -- that something might be done to achieve a compromise. That would require an initiative on the part of the main players -- and certainly a very sincere apology on Roy Keane's part.

"Nobody can condone the type of behaviour that has been documented. But, equally, there would have to be willingness on the part of Mick McCarthy and his squad to accept such an apology."

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