The Manchester United captain fell out with McCarthy at the Republic's training camp as they prepared for the World Cup in Korea and Japan.

But the 30-year-old has made it clear he is still keen to represent his country.

"Hopefully I might get back to playing for the Irish team again, " Keane told MUTV.

"But I will only go back if there is a new manager and that is out of my hands.

"No-one was more disappointed than me about what happened at the World Cup, but life moves on and I hope the Irish team moves on."

Keane returned to Ireland this week with Manchester United for their pre-season friendly with Shelbourne and was a fantastic reception.

"I never had a problem with going back," he said.

"In fact I was looking forward to it, but it was quite moving all the same.

"I think the fans can see through a lot of things and through people.

"And I think things have been found out now and they know where I have been coming from.

"The reception I got made me realise how important going back there and playing for Ireland is."