As the World Cup gets underway, former Republic of Ireland striker Clinton Morrison has revisited the unforgettable fallout between Roy Keane and Mick McCarthy during the 2002 World Cup preparations.

Morrison began by reflecting on a drive around Manchester with Micah Richards and Roy Keane, during which he heard Keane’s personal account of the infamous Saipan incident. “It was fascinating to get his insight,” Morrison said. “I asked him, ‘Do you have any regrets?’ I thought he’d say ‘Maybe,’ but he told me he didn’t really have any, just disappointment at how things were handled. He said if Mick McCarthy had come to him, knocked on his door, and apologised, he would have stayed for the World Cup.”

McCarthy, however, felt there was no reason to apologise. Morrison added, “Maybe in hindsight he thinks he shouldn’t have confronted Roy about the newspaper article criticising Ireland’s preparations in front of the entire squad. But as a manager, he might also believe it wasn’t his place to apologise. There are many sides to the story, but I thought Roy spoke brilliantly about it.”

Looking back, Morrison said he didn’t feel McCarthy was right to challenge Keane in front of everyone. “All Roy wanted was for everything to be done properly. Ironically, if he’d waited another day, FIFA had sorted out what became one of the best facilities we ever had after we left Saipan. Things could have gone completely differently, and Roy would have been there, playing for his country and helping us progress.”

He continued, “We had a good tournament, but it would have been even better with him. You miss a player of his quality. That whole situation was probably the biggest talking point of the tournament because of how high-profile Roy was.”

Morrison recalled his disbelief at losing Ireland’s best player before the tournament even began. “He was our captain and leader and had played a huge role in qualifying. When you talk to Roy now, he stands by what he said. He didn’t have regrets because he didn’t leave — he was sent home.”

Despite Keane’s departure, Morrison said the squad remained united. “It didn’t divide the dressing room; if anything, it galvanised us. We knew we’d lost our best player and everyone thought we’d struggle, but it motivated us. We did better than people expected, got out of the group stage, and probably should have beaten Spain. Ian Harte missed a penalty in normal time — if that had gone in, we would have gone through.”

Morrison added, “We had a real chance to reach the quarter-finals or even further with the way we were playing. The team spirit was brilliant, like a club atmosphere. People were upset that Roy had gone, but we stuck together and performed well.”

Speaking about Keane personally, Morrison said, “I love Roy Keane. I got on really well with him. He’s full of one-liners, and you can never tell from his face whether he’s joking. You don’t captain Manchester United for that long unless you’re a top player — and he was exactly that. Whenever we meet, we have a laugh. He’s a top guy, a top player, and now a top pundit. He never speaks for effect — he means what he says. He always gave me time and advice whenever I needed it.”

Looking ahead to this summer’s tournament, Morrison believes England’s main obstacle is not themselves but the strength of their rivals. “There’s no doubt they can go all the way,” he said. “Thomas Tuchel has picked a squad capable of winning. The only concern is around Bukayo Saka, who might not start or finish every game because of his injuries during the season.”

“If England perform consistently, they’re good enough to win it. They have world-class talent and one of the best strikers in Harry Kane, who’s had a phenomenal season at Bayern Munich. He’s the key — if he stays fit, England have a great chance.”

Morrison defended Kane’s deeper role on the pitch: “People criticise him for dropping deep, but he’s always done that. The important thing is having runners beyond him. Jude Bellingham is also crucial. There’s debate between Bellingham and Morgan Rogers, but for me, Bellingham has to play — he delivers on the big stage.”

“That said, France are the favourites right now. They have so many game changers and their starting eleven is outstanding. Even their bench is packed with quality attackers,” Morrison added.

He also warned not to overlook the South American heavyweights. “You can’t rule out Brazil or Argentina. Brazil being labelled dark horses is strange given they’ve got Carlo Ancelotti in charge and such talented players. Spain, too, have brilliant youngsters like Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams.”

Morrison concluded, “I think the winner will come from France, Brazil, or Argentina — but don’t write off Spain, England, or Portugal.”