IRWIN CALLS IT A DAY

MANCHESTER UNITED full back Denis Irwin has dealt a blow to Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy by announcing his retirement from international football.

The 56 capped 34-year-old said: "I`m quitting because of the time demands on international players nowadays.

"I have three young kids and I want to spend more time with them and my wife.

"I will be 37 when the next major finals come around and that`s if Ireland qualify. Now is the best time to go. I`ve found in the past few years that I`m away from home a lot more due to the increasing number of games United are playing in Europe and more and more internationals."

The veteran said he informed McCarthy of his decision on Friday evening and he was very understanding about it. However Irwin revealed that McCarthy tried to persuade him to act as stand by in case of injuries but he declined, saying: "I said no. I want to make a clean break."

Irwin (pictured) made his international debut in 1990, and his last game was the Euro 2000 play-off defeat at the hands Turkey in November.

Alex Livie