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Speculation about a feud with Keane at Ipswich Town, when Delaney described Keane as “unreasonable”, was linked to the decision.

However Delaney, who is one of Ireland’s few starting Premier League defenders, has said that he has “no issue” with Keane and Ireland’s need “to plan for the long term” is behind his absence.

“I know that at the age of 34 the future of Irish football does not lie with me,” said Delaney on Instagram, “the rigours of premier league football and the 24/7 dedication required takes its toll so I look on the international break as a chance to recover…

“That said I spoke to Martin O Neill and contrary to his recent comments I never asked for a regular starting position.”

Delaney’s response to O’Neill came after the Ireland manager was quoted as saying that Delaney wouldn’t be interested in just training for a squad place, saying that “I don’t think that Damien, from his own viewpoint, would definitely come back to play if he wasn’t guaranteed playing in the side.”

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Delaney will on to state that O’Neill may need to sacrifice Euro 2016 qualification while giving youth their chance in the national team, as he offered his thoughts on Ireland’s international standing:

“Ireland need to plan for the long term even if it means sacrificing one maybe two major tournaments. We need to build an identity and team ethos from schoolboy football to full international that will last.

“I understand people weren't enamoured with Mr. Trapattoni but whether you agreed with his philosophy or not you have to respect the man and the results he achieved with his philosophy.

"There are many footballing philosophies and we need to choose one that suits Irish traits and strengths best, similar to what Wales are now achieving or what Mr. Trapattoni achieved in his time in charge.

“I'll always be an ardent supporter and wish I could of contributed more... #coybig #identity”