Roy Keane has criticised the Republic's selection policy

Keane described the omission of David Connolly and Liam Miller from the Euro 2008 qualifiers panel as a "disgrace".

The former Republic skipper claims Millar was left out because he hails from Cork.

"There is no doubt a lot of politics are involved and it does irritate me," said Keane.

The Republic take on Wales and Slovakia on 24 and 28 March.

Keane is no stranger to confrontation with the FAI after he was sent home from the World Cup finals in 2002 following a fallout with then manager Mick McCarthy.

Sunderland are represented in the squad through Anthony Stokes but Keane pointed out that the striker is from Dublin.

"What's holding back Liam Miller is the fact that he's from Cork, without a doubt," he added.

"People think I'm crazy for saying that but I'm not. That would definitely go against him but you don't know the FAI as well as I do.

"Dave had a falling out with Don Givens a few years ago. Don's involved with the U21s and they all talk to each other.

"Dave has scored maybe eight in the last 10, 11 games.

"Are you telling me there are better players on better form than Connolly and Miller?

"I thought when the new manager came in some players would have a clean slate, but that's not the case."

The former Manchester United star also said that being manager of Sunderland "is a bigger job in every way than Ireland, especially when I make my own decisions and I'm not being influenced by anyone".