was Mick McCarthys' Irish born Father who sadly died last year. He reared Mick to be a fine man, who is honest, respecting, caring and hard-working, and most of all "A PROUD IRISH MAN". Mick required answers, and got more than answers from Roy when he challenged him in front of the full squad. Thank goodness Mick held a public meeting "with the staff", or heaven knows what Roy would have gone on record saying. Mick is trying DESPERATELY to put this scenario behind him. But its more difficult than it seems. Roy is after all the Republics' most experienced and quality player, and he is revered througout Ireland. But on the other hand think of the general morale that is being experienced throughout the Irish camp during these sad times. Not only the Irish government, but the FAI are placing extraordinary pressure on Mick, while the squad preparation appears to be deteriorating as the day's go by.

Mick will speak to the FAI tonight, in relation to a transcript of Roy Keanes' honest and open interview to RTEs' "Tommy Gorman" today. Roy is reported to have said: "Maybe there is a way, who knows? The World Cup is the most important thing in my life, it really is. I want to play for Ireland. There's nobody who wants to play for Ireland as much as me. This is what it's all about playing in World Cup". On Saturday last there were more important things in the world than the World Cup. These were Roy Keanes' words remember.

The players are loosing a worrying ammount of weight with the heat, humidity and the inevitable sweating in the Far East. Liquids seem to be the way forward along with eating to replenish the body. Some players are reported to have lost 2% of their body weight, resulting in their physical functions being reduced by 20%. Mick could see the affects of this during Irelands 1-2 win over Sanfrecce Hiroshima on Saturday gone. Their concentration and passing deteriorated, but improved when the boys took liquids on board, as the ball went into touch.

Jason McAteers' knee injury is merely bad bruising to the bone, and not ligament damage. Its still doubtful whether he will play a part in our opening game against Cameroon. Carsley has had a scan and his ankle is fine. So too are Kilbane, Harte, Finnan and Cunningham. All of the above injured players took part in a separate training session to the rest of the Squad today, but McAteer remained in the hotel with a view to beginning Jogging tomorrow. Mick spent yesterday in Kobe, watching England draw 2-2 with Cameroon, and on his return there was unrest in the Irish Camp. Mick resolved this issue by reasurring the team with this statement "In my absence, a rumour had gained ground that Roy is prepared to apologise to me and to you, his team-mates. Apparently he is already on his way back to the World Cup finals". Some of the players were angry. Mick then continued: " Some, I now know, would walk out if he was allowed to return after the nature of his tantrum last Thursday night. They need have no worries". Mick also went on to explain to those players who needed reasurance that there is no way back for Roy.