Keane might have been allowed to return to Japan had he apologised to the Ireland manager.

But, in his World Cup diary serialisation in the Ireland on Sunday newspaper, McCarthy says he was glad Keane failed to say sorry

"I feared an apology," wrote McCarthy. "Instead he (Keane) is finally out of the World Cup and wishes the management the best of luck without him. I am ecstatic.

"It has taken Keane eight full days to finally do what he tried to do in Saipan last Tuesday night and quit the World Cup, international football and the green jersey.

"He has tortured and tormented so many of us in the days and nights since then, perhaps even himself.

"He has walked away from the players he captained and still is a hero in some people's eyes."

McCarthy added: "The players are furious that the FAI would even consider a return for Roy Keane after everything he said and did.

"Several of them are adamant that they will go home if Keane is imposed on us."

McCarthy added: "I never want to see him again, never mind work with him.

"He is starting to ruin my World Cup and I won't have it... the players won't have him back. They are happy without him."

In the final chapters of his diary, which refer to events three months after the World Cup finished, McCarthy seems to have mellowed.

"I am not someone who likes to hold grudges and bear malice," he wrote.