McCarthy feels the pain of defeat (Allsport).

By Chris Roberts, PA Sport

Former Republic of Ireland international Jeff Kenna has urged Mick McCarthy and Roy Keane to kiss and make up and carry on the success of their World Cup campaign.

The Irish camp was rocked before the tournament after the Manchester United star was sent home after a well-documented row with the national boss.

That, however, brought the players closer together and they came through their group before finally bowing out in the second round to Spain on penalties today.

But the Birmingham defender hopes that now the affair has settled down they can hold peace talks to find a suitable resolution to build on this success.

"I don't see why they can't go on and build on this now," Kenna said.

"There are plenty of good young lads coming through and he's got the basis of a top squad as it is.

"I would think they will have a good European Championship campaign now and who knows where they can go from there. They have got to take confidence from what they have achieved so far.

"Mick should definitely stay now. There is no reason why he should go. He's had a disagreement with Roy Keane, but I'm sure that once the euphoria of the World Cup blows over they will talk to each other and see where they go on from there.

"I don't see any reason why Mick should go and I would like to see Roy come back because he is a world-class player.

"I'm not sure what's happened, but I think Mick should stay and Roy should come back, but with not knowing what's gone on that's all I can say."

The Republic now need an influential leader with the retirement of Steve Staunton and Kenna was not surprised by his decision after winning 102 caps.

"I thought he would," he added. "That's over 100 caps and that's just phenomenal.

"He has decided to leave the party and where best to do it at the game before the quarter-final of the World Cup.

"He will be well missed, but it gives somebody else the chance now to show their worth at international level."

But everyone connected with the country will struggle to come to terms with today's exit and former manager Jack Charlton insisted they did not deserve to bow out.

McCarthy's men battled back from a Fernando Morientes opener to force extra-time with Robbie Keane slotting home a spot-kick.

But penalties was where they went out, with Gaizka Mendieta slotting home the all-important kick to send Ireland tumbling, but Charlton insisted that they were unfortunate to be heading home early.

Charlton said: "I am very disappointed with the result because they didn't deserve to go out of the competition.

"We're out now, but they didn't deserve to be out. They deserve to be in the next round because they put everything into it and only just lost out."

Kenna agreed with Charlton and insisted they would be treated as heroes back in Ireland despite their early return home.

"It's obviously disappointing," he added. "In the second half there was only one team in it.

"Soon as (Niall) Quinny came on they certainly caused their centre-halves a few problems and created a few chances from that. I thought we were going to nick it.

"Once it went to extra-time they were just playing for penalties. They had one shot and we seemed to be making all the play.

"It's disappointing, but it's been a hell of a campaign and they deserve to get all the plaudits.

"They got the ball down and passed it through midfield and tried to create rather than playing it long, so full credit to them.

"They will get a great reception when they fly back. They gave it their best shot and they went out on penalties against one of the favourites."

Mark Lawrenson hopes that people now focus on how well the players played instead of blaming Ian Harte, Matt Holland, David Connolly and Kevin Kilbane, who missed from the spot. Harte's miss was during the match and the other three in the shoot-out.

"They've not been beaten," he said.

"I hope there's no fuss made about the players that missed the penalties, but the way Ireland have played in the competition.

"In the first 45 minutes against Cameroon they did not play particularly well, but since then they have been absolutely brilliant."