STEVE COOGAN will play Mick McCarthy in a new film about Roy Keane’s clash with the Republic of Ireland boss at the 2002 World Cup.
Keane ended up leaving the Ireland camp before the start of the tournament in Japan and South Korea following a public bust-up with McCarthy.
Following an interview in which Keane criticised the preparation and facilities provided by the Football Association of Ireland, he and McCarthy engaged in a heated verbal exchange.
Despite being convinced to reconsider quitting the squad, the falling out led to the Manchester United midfielder leaving anyway.
The upcoming film “Saipan” – the name of the Japanese island where the Ireland team was based for the tournament – will depict the events leading up to Keane’s departure.
Alan Partridge star and Bafta winner Coogan is confirmed to play the role of McCarthy.
Eanna Hardwicke is set to portray Keane in the upcoming film, which is scheduled to begin production soon and has a planned release date of next summer.
Producer Macdara Kelleher and John Keville: “A million words have been written about what happened on that fateful week in 2002 on the tiny island of Saipan.
“Next year audiences will finally get to experience first-hand the feud between Roy Keane and Mick McCarthy and why it was labelled ‘the worst preparation for a World Cup campaign ever’.”
Without Keane, Ireland finished second after going unbeaten in Group E, including a last-gasp draw against Germany, before losing on penalties to Spain in the round of 16.
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McCarthy resigned in November 2002 and Keane returned to the Ireland squad under his successor Brian Kerr.
However, the United icon retired from international football after failure to help the nation qualify for the 2006 World Cup.
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