Kiely retires from Irish soccer team

Brian Kerr yesterday expressed his disappointment at the news of Dean Kiely's retirement from international football at the age of 32.

The Charlton Athletic player made his debut in 1999 as a substitute against Turkey in the first Euro 2000 play-off game and has made eight appearances for Ireland.

Kerr describes Kiely as "an excellent goalkeeper," but added that, having failed to persuade him to change his mind earlier this week, he respected his decision to do what he felt was in his own best interests.

The goalkeeper had been known to be severely frustrated in the wake of the recent trip to Georgia and Albania at his inability to emerge from Shay Given's shadow at international level despite consistently strong form at club level.

Despite that, however, the former York City and Bury player insisted yesterday that the decision had been prompted solely by his desire to concentrate on his career at The Valley where he is currently Alan Curbishley's first choice ahead of former England underage international Paul Rachubka.

"I believe this is in the best interests of myself and Charlton," he told the club's website, adding that he was attempting to be "proactive" about extending his career at the highest level rather than waiting until circumstances forced such a move upon him.

His retirement will come as a serious blow for Kerr who yesterday called Joe Murphy into the squad for Wednesday's game. Nicky Colgan will take over as the main cover for Given while Sheffield United's Paddy Kenny will also be in the hunt for an international call-up over the months head.

None has the experience of Kiely and as of yet none has really established himself as possessing his ability.