Our mentor, Mick McCarthy wants to put this whole Keane saga behind him. So to keep within the boss's wishes, finally Keane has left the Island of Saipan alone and boarded a jet on route to England. An Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Bertie Ahern, has advised both Roy and the FAI that he is available as an intermediary if required. Bertie is the Republics' no 1 supporter, apart from yours truly that is. Thanks Bertie, but there’s no need.
Now to the important news
The Lads have arrived in Japan today, after a three-hour flight from Saipan to Izumo, our base for the next six days. Everyone showed a united front as they sat together in great spirits on the three-hour flight. They were greeted at the airport by about 50 locals waiving Irish flags and banners reading `Welcome to the Republic of Ireland' and cheering the team.
The 22-man squad was transported immediately to their hotel and then went straight to train at the nearby stadium. Our team will then attend a welcome reception hosted by the mayor of Izumo tonight as they settle into their new base. The conditions were much cooler and welcoming than the searing heat and humidity of Saipan, which will hopefully mean a far easier acclimatisation. The Game is NOT on any major channel, but Network 2 (Irish channel available through some Sky digital packages pending on lacation) is showing highlights at 6.15pm Irish time. Isn’t it strange that you can see the Japan v Sweden game live @ 11.00 am and then again repeated @ 14.00?
In the final friendly of our drooling campaign, Mick has named his starting IX. however it is not clear how many substitutes will be used. The Team is as follows:
Goalkeeper: Given (Newcastle)
Defenders: Kelly (Leeds), Dunne (Manchester C), Staunton (Aston Villa Capt.), Harte (Leeds)
Midfielders: McAteer (Sunderland), Kinsella (Charlton), Holland (Ipswich), Kilbane (Sunderland)
Strikers: Keane (Leeds), Duff (Blackburn).
Mark Kinsella is in for Keane, and Richard Dunne for the injured Kenny Cunningham. Although Kenny’s injury is not serious, Mick will not take any chances with his hamstring. Dunne's last start for Ireland was against Holland in September, but in the absence of Kenny Cunningham, McCarthy has given the giant Dubliner a chance to stake a claim for a starting place against Cameroon next week.
Goalkeepers: Shay Given (Newcastle), Dean Kiely (Charlton), Alan Kelly (Blackburn)
Defence: Steve Finnan (Fulham),Gary Kelly (Leeds), Gary Breen (Coventry), Kenny Cunningham (Wimbledon), Richard Dunne (Man City), Stephen Staunton (Villa), Andy O'Brien (Newcastle), Ian Harte (Leeds)
Midfield: Jason McAteer (Sunderland), Matt Holland (Ipswich), Stephen Reid (Millwall), Kevin Kilbane (Sunderland), Lee Carsley (Everton), Mark Kinsella (Charlton)
Strikers: Niall Quinn (Sunderland), Clinton Morrison (Crytal Palace), Robbie Keane (Leeds), Damien Duff (Blackburn), David Connolly (Wimbledon)
And finally
"Former" Republic of Ireland international Phil Babb announced today he will return to England when his contract with Sporting Lisbon expires in the summer. The ex-Liverpool defender has decided not to extend his stay in Portugal despite two successful years at the Jose Alvalade. Still in the back of Micks mind, Babb, now a 31-year-old was part of this season's double-winning team, but feels the time has come to return home. Babb said: "I love Sporting and Portugal, but I have decided to return after two good years here.The call was mine and my family's. For us at this moment, the best decision is to get back. The fact I leave is a little sad. But people know my football, and who knows, some day I could be back."
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