FAI chief executive Bernard O'Byrne yesterday gently rebuffed criticism of the association made by Roy Keane. The Republic of Ireland captain's criticisms centred on the FAI's arrangements for the current trip to Cyprus and Spain and also the association's training facilities for the international team in Clonshaugh.

Of the training facilities, Keane said in a Sunday Independent interview: "They're abysmal and they have been for as long as I have known it.

Of the arrangements, Keane said: "I was fairly critical of the seating arrangements on the flight over when the officials took up the first-class seats with the players sat behind them. It's not just because I play for Manchester United. No, for me it's just not right. The priority has to be the team."

O'Byrne, speaking in Cyprus having not seen the article, said: "The arrangements for this trip are an exact replica of every other trip and while I have absolutely no knowledge of there having been any problems raised in the past, I'm sure every official would gladly give up their seats for Roy or any other of the lads. I know I would gladly walk to Barcelona to see Roy play.

"I'm not sure exactly what the difficulties involved are, but I would gladly sit down with Roy or any of the other players and discuss this or any other matters.

"The key facility at Clonshaugh is the pitch. A couple of years ago we took it out of commission and completely relaid it. Since then it is widely recognised that that pitch is up to international standards. Nobody else uses it and it is kept fenced off and locked so as to ensure that it is in good condition. Obviously, we would like to improve these facilities as much as we can. I haven't seen the context that these comments were made in, but once again I would have to say that there are concern that the players might have, it would be better if there was a mechanism for ensuring that they can be satisfactorily resolved - if indeed there is anything to be resolved."

Leeds United could be given a bye into the European Champions League semi-finals if their quarter-final opponents Deportivo La Coruna are punished for passport irregularities. The Spanish football federation said last week it had asked all clubs in the top three Spanish divisions to show their players' documents, but was still waiting for the papers from four Deportivo signings: Helder, Jacques Songo'o, Aldo Duscher and Emerson.