Keane calls time on Republic as United hint at extra year

In 2002 it was an altercation with Mick McCarthy that sent Keane into international exile. Now, following his ill-fated attempt to help Ireland reach the 2006 World Cup, it is an acceptance of the advancing years that has forced the midfielder to bring his Ireland career to a close after 64 caps. In a statement Keane said: "Like all football supporters in the country I am disappointed that the Republic failed to qualify.

"Much as I would like to continue playing for my country, I feel the time has come when I should retire from international football and concentrate on domestic football for whatever remains of my career."

Keane's decision will be welcomed by his club manager, who believes his participation in the World Cup qualifying campaign at least enabled the man from Cork to repair relations with the Republic following the infamous walk-out on McCarthy before the 2002 World Cup. Ferguson said: "I haven't spoken to him about it [retirement], but I thought it was sensible of him to go back, with the way he departed the last time."

Yet while Keane has resolved his international career, his long-term future at United remains uncertain.

A fortnight ago he announced on the club's in-house television station that he would leave Old Trafford at the end of his contract next summer, though suspicions that he used MUTV to hasten negotiations on a contract extension gained further credence yesterday when Ferguson revealed that his inspirational captain could still be at the club next season. "We admire him greatly and there is every chance he can be here next year," insisted Ferguson in his first and only reaction to Keane's comments. He added: "I don't think he actually said that [he would leave next summer], he said maybe."

Celtic are prepared to offer Keane a two-year deal should he sever his 12-year allegiance to Old Trafford next summer, and on better terms than the 12-month deals United currently give to their older players.

Though Ferguson would not discuss the contractual situation, or reveal whether he had spoken to the midfielder about the timing of his announcement, the fact he sees Keane at the club next season reveals United's determination to tie him to a new deal despite their firm interest in Michael Ballack of Bayern Munich.

A broken metatarsal means Keane will miss a reunion with McCarthy at Sunderland today when Wayne Rooney will be asked to inspire a depleted United team and answer criticism of his temperament by Sepp Blatter, the president of football's world governing body, Fifa. Ferguson, who saw John O'Shea and Darren Fletcher sign new four-year contracts yesterday, responded: "Fifa seem quite happy to take up smaller issues, like talking about a 19-year-old Manchester United player, rather than pursue the really important issues in the game."