Robbie Keane is refusing to accept that his World Cup dream is over despite FIFA rejecting the Republic of Ireland's call for a replay of their play-off with France.

The Irish skipper has called on the French Football Federation to heed Thierry Henry's acceptance that a replay would be "the fairest solution".

Henry - who handled the ball in the build-up to William Gallas' decisive goal in Paris - came out on Friday to insist he is not a cheat, but admitted the Irish deserve to be going to South Africa.

Keane said: "On behalf of the Republic of Ireland players, I would like to thank Thierry Henry for his statement this afternoon that in his opinion a replay would be the fairest option.

"As captain of the French team, to make such a statement took courage and honour, and all of us recognise that.

"As captain of the Republic of Ireland team, I would also be happy for a replay to happen in the interest of fair play so that whichever team qualifies, can do so with their heads held high.

"We can only hope that the French Football Federation might accept the wishes of both captains in the best interests of the game."