Keane was sent home from the tournament in controversial circumstances after a furious row with McCarthy.

Despite receiving plenty of praise for their performances - their exit came in the last 16 match against Spain, via penalties - Keane believes that his country could and should have gone further.

"The World Cup? They did okay, but that's what they expected because the manager drums that into the team," said Keane.

"We've done well to qualify, all that nonsense. That's the problem. That sums up the mentality.

"Spain had 10 men for half an hour, the game was there for the taking. I think a more astute manager would have won the game. Some people have higher standards than others."

Keane says he would still like to play for his country, but accepts that it will not happen under the present management.

"Mick has two years left on his contract, and obviously I will never play for him again," added Keane.

"In two years, if some chairman is daft enough to give him a job and someone else comes in, I will look at it again.

"I would not like to finish my international career on that note. Some people seem to think it doesn't bother me. Of course it bothers me to have missed the World Cup."