Kilbane quick to quash retirement rumours

The former Everton and Preston player was disappointed to read that he had planned to retire from international football at the end of next season when actually, he was merely considering international retirement.

The years have took their toll on Kilbane who has played a full and consistent season for the Latics at left back but missed the end of the season with a back injury. However the Irishman is very much looking forward to representing his country in the World Cup in 2010.

Kilbane: World Cup Aim

Killer told the Wigan Athletic Official website: "The comments were taken from an interview I did a few months ago where I actually said that I would possibly consider retiring from international football at the end of the next campaign.

"The journalist took this as meaning the Premier League campaign but I was referring to the international campaign being the 2010 World Cup. Even then I was only saying that I was considering it, looking ahead to what may or may not happen."

"I was really disappointed not to be joining up with the Republic of Ireland this time around as I played the last few games of the season with a slight problem with my back, nothing serious, so when Wigan were safe in the league for another year I sat out of the last game against Manchester United and then having to miss this international trip to ensure I was fit for the start of next season.

"It is really exciting times with Ireland, the win against Columbia just highlights that and I am keeping in touch with the camp and everyone is really positive, I can not wait to get back involved again soon and hopefully play a part in helping Ireland qualify for the World Cup in South Africa."

Meanwhile there was more good news on the international front for Latics players this week. Jason Koumas led his country for the first time. Manager John Toshack handed Koumas the captain's armband as reward for his recent displays for Wales.

The result however did not go for Koumas and Wales who were beaten 2-0 by an impressive Holland side. Mario Melchiot came on as a half time substitute for the Dutch and showed no signs of the groin injury that threaten his participation in Euro 2008 this summer.

It is now likely that Super Mario will feature heavily at right back for Van Basten's side with Melchiot attacking flair and calm persona suiting the Dutch style.

Holland kick off their championship with a tough fixture against Italy on 9th June. The game will be shown on ITV at 19:45.