Keane defended Republic manager Brian Kerr

"Like all football supporters in the country I am disappointed the Republic of Ireland failed to qualify for the World Cup finals," Keane said.

"I feel the time has come when I should retire from international football and concentrate on domestic football."

And he said criticism of manager Brian Kerr had been "unjust and unfair".

It is the second time 34-year-old Keane has retired from the international scene, the first occasion after a bust-up with former manager Mick McCarthy prior to the 2002 World Cup.

He returned after the departure of McCarthy the following year and the subsequent appointment of Kerr.

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Keane announced recently that he expected to leave Manchester United at the end of the current season and is being tipped to move to Celtic.

Keane's last appearance in an Irish shirt was in September's qualifying match at Landsdowne Road against France, which the Republic lost 1-0.

His departure from international football has taken place amid mounting speculation that the Football Association of Ireland will not renew the contract of Kerr as manager.

Keane won 66 caps for the Republic, scoring nine goals. He made his debut under Jack Charlton in 1991 against Chile.