Is Carr Feeling Sorry For Himself?

The 29-year-old Newcastle right-back believes the time is right to quit the international stage, following the goalless draw with Switzerland in midweek which ended the Republic's hopes of landing a place in Germany.

He told Newcastle's official website: "I have made my decision, and there is no going back for me now. I just feel the time is right to call it a day with Ireland. It was disappointing for the squad, the manager, and the whole country that we didn't qualify for the World Cup.

"I would have loved to have represented my country in Germany next summer and maybe called it quits after that, but it wasn't to be. I think it's time for me to stand aside now, and let some of the younger lads coming through to have the opportunity to play for Ireland.

"I'll be 34 the next time the World Cup comes around and at that stage of my career I wouldn't feel as though I could do myself or Ireland justice in the competition should we get through."