By Chris O'Brien
February 6 2005

Roy Keane has pulled out of the Republic of Ireland squad for the upcoming international friendly against Portugal. Sir Alex Ferguson claims that representing his country would be a "strain" for the United skipper, fresh from his 50th Red Devils goal against Birmingham City.

After an inspiration performance against Birmingham City, Manchester United skipper Roy Keane has pulled out of the Republic of Ireland squad for the upcoming friendly against Portugal at Lansdowne Road. Eire will be without the tough-tackling midfielder due to an apparent knee injury.

Keane netted his 50th Premiership goal as United beat the Midlands outfit 2-0. With a series of vital games coming up as the season reaches its climax, Sir Alex Ferguson has pulled Keane out of the Irish squad.

"It is not wise for him to play. He needs a break," said Ferguson. "I really don't want to put a strain on Keane at this stage in his career."

It does appear Keane is picking and choosing his Ireland games, after returning to the international set-up last year. He was rested for Ireland's last friendly, a home clash against Croatia, but will undoubtedly want to be involved in the upcoming World Cup qualification games. It's another sad reminder of the lack of pride many now have in representing their country.

John O'Shea, who started in midfield on Saturday, should appear in the game as European runners-up Portugal make the journey to the Emerald Isle in what promises to be an interesting and high-profile international clash.

Full R.O.I Squad: Given (Newcastle), Kenny (Sheffield United), Murphy (Walsall), Carr (Newcastle), Finnan (Liverpool), O'Brien (Newcastle), Breen (Sunderland), Doherty (Norwich), Cunningham (Birmingham), Dunne (Manchester City), O'Shea (Manchester United), Maybury (Leicester), Miller (Manchester United), Quinn (Sheffield United), Kavanagh (Cardiff City), Holland (Charlton), Kilbane (Everton), Reid (Nottingham Forest), Duff (Chelsea), Barrett (Coventry), Lee (Cardiff City), Elliott (Sunderland), McGeady (Celtic), Robbie Keane (Tottenham), Macken (Manchester City), Morrison (Birmingham).