Matt Holland says the Irish squad have to put Roy Keane's departure behind them and concentrate on the World Cup itself.

The Town skipper is likely to profit from Keane's exit with Holland and Mark Kinsella now virtually assured starts in the centre of midfield. Holland said: "We have to try and put this behind us now and concentrate on the big tournament.

"Things happen in football and you just have to deal with it. We have worked hard as a squad for the past two years to qualify.

"It is the World Cup and we intend to enjoy it and do as well as we can."

Holland disagrees with Keane's gripe over training facilities in Saipan: "The facilities are not that bad. This was always designed to be a rest week; the hard work starts next week as we build up for the first game against Cameroon. We all miss our families and being at home but it is the World Cup."

Ireland's first game is against Cameroon on June 1st.

Photo: Action Images

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