The Football Association of Ireland confirmed on Tuesday that Scottish-based company Genesis will investigate the problems which erupted in the Far East during the summer.

They want to see whether improvements can be made in preparing the national team for major matches.

It was Keane's unhappiness with the training facilities in Saipan which eventually led to the face-to-face argument between the Irish skipper and coach Mick McCarthy.

Keane subsequently walked out on the squad amid a torrent of abuse and the simmering antipathy between the two men has surfaced again following the serialisation of his book.

And while Cunningham stressed the harmony within the current group of players is strong, he also acknowledged the loss of the team's best player was bound to weaken the Irish side.

"It would be ridiculous to say we are stronger without him," said the former Wimbledon captain, now with Birmingham.

"He was our captain and still is world-class. I have been fortunate enough to spend some time with him over the years and I found him a fascinating and intelligent man.

"He demands high standards of himself and those around him - that is what has made him a winner.

"I won't be camping outside WH Smiths to get a copy of his book but I will read it - maybe he should send a few free copies to the lads."

Opinion is still split in the Emerald Isle over Keane's international retirement.

And it will be the end of October before the FAI's own investigations are complete.

Didn't get involved

Genesis are being paid in the region of �20,000 to discover what measures can be taken to help ease the team's progress into the finals of major competitions.

All 23 members of the travelling squad - including Keane - plus the coaching staff were likely to be asked for their observations.

"What happened with Roy was a key element of deciding to have a review but we are trying to look beyond that now," said Brendan Menton, FAI general secretary.

"We didn't get involved during the depth of the crisis because we felt it would have only escalated the problem.

"We are prepared to defend ourselves but this process would welcome any valid criticism providing it contributes to the overall debate."