Manchester United captain Roy Keane said Tuesday he could "still do a job" for the Republic of Ireland despite his dramatic exit from international football.

The former Nottingham Forest midfielder has not worn the Republic's green jersey since he walked out on the squad on the eve of the 2002 World Cup following a furious row with then manager Mick McCarthy.

And last year he announced his international retirement in a bid to help manage his hip problem.

Keane, 32, told the Sky Sports website he was still able to play international football but felt that personal problems with fellow Republic of Ireland internationals would make it difficult for him to add to his tally of 58 caps.

"I do feel I could still do a job for Ireland. Then again, there are one or two players who I wouldn't fancy playing with because of what happened before," said Keane.

"I watch some of the games and I think I could definitely do a job for the team.

"But because I feel OK in myself now, it doesn't mean I've forgotten what the surgeon told me about how important it is to rest my hip."