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Mick McCarthy believes there is no hope of Roy Keane returning to the Republic of Ireland side - despite Saturday's defeat in Russia.

The Republic's shortcomings in Moscow led to renewed calls for an attempt to heal the infamous rift between the Republic manager and his former skipper.

After the 4-2 defeat in the opening European Championship qualifier, it was inevitable that McCarthy would be asked if it was time to attempt to make peace.

However, the team manager said the rift was beyond repair.

Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy does not expect Roy Keane to come back into the team
Mick McCarthy's team lost 4-2 in Moscow

Keane had been banished from the World Cup following a highly publicised training camp bust-up with McCarthy.

And the war of words has been escalated in the past couple of weeks by the publication of Keane's autobiography.

In the book the Manchester United midfielder said he would not play for Ireland while McCarthy remained as coach.

McCarthy has always stated his team are a much stronger outfit with their former leader at the helm.

"But Roy has said he is not going to play," said McCarthy.

I am not going to go screaming or shouting at lads who have been so consistent

Mick McCarthy

"It is not going to change. I think the situation is far beyond repair. Roy tells everybody that, and it is not going to make it any different.

"I am getting on with the team I have got. These are the lads I am concerned about - not anybody who is not going to play."

McCarthy backed his players following the worst result in the 68 games of his six-year reign.

The Republic of Ireland's European Championship qualifying campaign got off to a bad start
Steve Finnan challenges a Russian opponent

"Obviously I am disappointed by the defeat but, as I said to the lads, this is the first bad day we have had at the office for a long, long time," said McCarthy,.

"I am not going to go screaming or shouting at lads who have been so consistent for so long.

"Some days you do not play as well as others and that for me is what it was about yesterday.

"You could see how delighted Russia were to win, we have become a bit of a scalp - that goes with the territory.

"We have to beat them in Dublin now, but before that we have got Switzerland, Albania and Georgia."

On a slightly brighter note, McCarthy said that striker Damien Duff - who limped off after only 18 minutes with a strained left thigh - had not pulled a muscle.


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