He didn't have to back down. All he had to do was meet one to one with Keane and air the particular differences. McCarthy had an agenda and so far its working. When Ireland don't make it out of their group though (and believe me I hope that I'm wrong) McCarthy can explain his actions and I hope that the useless FAI have the balls to send him packing and hire a professional.

I did see the England Greece game by the way. Greece were very unfortunate they played the better football. One free kick from David Beckham doesn't qualify in making him a better player. It meant a lot to England but Keane puts in performances like that all the time without the British media hype.