“I would have loved to see him back in a green jersey, but it was not to be,” he told Sky Sports News.

“You can look at it both ways. If it elongates his career you can understand it. But it is sad for Irish football.

“In Irish football, he is probably second only to Paul McGrath in the all-time greats.

“I hope that is the way he will go out, but I am sure there are the pessimists who will remember the last World Cup.

“We had some great times. He is a fantastic player at international level and he will continue to be so at Manchester United.

“He is a winner and does not know when he is beaten. He could not take getting beat.”

He added: “Alan Shearer is playing some fantastic football and Roy will get one or two seasons by making this decision.”