Well it’s been a tough, hot, scary week for Mick and the boys. Everything started very well, despite loosing 1-2 at home to Nigeria. But both Paddy Reilly's live version of "The Fields of Athenry", and the crowds send-off for the Lads was second to none. As they touched down in Saipan last week they all wore flowers on their head. The Japanese and Koreans call this a "lei", and it’s a symbol of welcome and good health. Surely nothing could go wrong. Before our final friendly warm-up game with "Hiroshima" on this Saturday 25th May, Mick has had his fair share of heartaches to deal with.
Firstly Matt Holland and J McAteer, with respective knee and ankle injuries, sat out the first two days of training. The reason our boys went to Saipan was to mainly get used to the climate, the time difference, and more importantly the "HUMIDITY". Kenny Cunningham is a doubt for Saturday’s game too, with a recurring hamstring injury also. Lee Carsley now adds to the injury list with an old thigh problem. Mick will not risk anybody with injuries this side of the Cameroon game.
And the cherry on the cake
ROY KEANE has made a dramatic u-turn and decided to stay with Ireland for the World Cup - just hours after threatening to go home. Keano blew up at teammate Kelly (Alan) and goalkeeping coach Bonner, while he also clashed with Mick as the Irish boss stepped in to calm things down. Apparently Keane erupted when Kelly and the other keepers were excused from a five-a-side game at the end of the workout. However Bonner had been putting the three keepers, namely Given, Kelly and Kiely through their paces earlier on that day. It was then reported that personal reasons and a knee problem were forcing him to board the next plane back to Britain. But he trained with the squad this morning and boss McCarthy claims the dust has now settled. McCarthy said: "Roy trained this morning and is absolutely fine. He has had a change of heart and I am delighted. He should be playing in the World Cup because he is one of the best players in the world. They came back from training today and all gathered round Roy - they are all together".
But Mick insists that team morale is brilliant and that there are no worries about that. We know our lads are the best bunch you will ever meet and they will get on with it. Whatever happens they will put the best side out at all times
Colin Healy was on standby if Keane did go home. And the Celtic Midfielder was last reported to be heading over to meet up with the Team. Keanes' name has been accepted by FIFA on the official team sheet. FIFA did say that Healy’s name was marked on instead, but it was then changed back to Keane.
And on a more happier note: With Manchester United realesing Denis Irwin after 12 years and failing to renew his contract, Blues Boss and former Man U Teammate Steve Bruce wants Irwin. Birmingham City who clinched the last place in the Premiership are looking to strengthen their side. But despite speculation of a £5Mil swoop for Clinton Morrison also, Bruce is interested in the Republics "Alan Mahon" at Blackburn aswell. The out of favour winger is being linked with the Midlands club, after a loan spell from Sporting Lisbon to Blackburn turned into a permanent move. However the Dubliner has not fit into Graham Souness' plans and has played mostly reserve football at Ewood since his arrival.
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