LONDON -- Ireland midfielder Jason McAteer says he is "a big fan" of Roy Keane and would be glad to see the former captain back in the national team in the wake of Mick McCarthy's resignation as coach on Tuesday.

Manchester United midfielder Keane, widely recognized as Ireland's best player, has not turned out for his country since a spectacular training camp row with McCarthy in May on the eve of the World Cup.

One of the obstacles to Keane's return, now that McCarthy has gone, was whether he would be welcomed back by the rest of the Irish squad, Reuters reported. But McAteer told Talksport Radio on Wednesday: "I am a big fan of Roy Keane. He is a world-class player and we are going to benefit from having him."

Sunderland's McAteer was involved in a running feud with Keane during the 1-1 English premier league draw with Manchester United on August 31.

Keane was eventually sent off in the final minute for elbowing McAteer and has not played since, having had hip surgery and incurred a five-match ban for comments made in his controversial autobiography.

Nut McAteer said he did not bear a grudge against Keane.

"After all that has gone on between me and Roy. I do actually like Roy. What happened is part and parcel of football.

"I am not going to walk away and say I hate Roy Keane for what happened because I don't. At the end of 90 minutes you shake each other's hand and get on with it. "You can never question Roy's commitment, talent or experience."

McCarthy quit on Tuesday following a poor run of results and mounting criticism over his handling of the Keane row.