Paddy Kenny has told Steve Staunton he does not wish to be considered for selection in the Ireland squad for the foreseeable future, ostensibly because he wishes to spend time sorting out his troubled personal life.

With Shay Given injured, the move confirms the status of Barnsley's Nicky Colgan and Brighton's Wayne Henderson as the frontrunners for the goalkeeper's jersey in San Marino.

Kenny suffered a difficult break-up from his wife late last year and was subsequently involved in a drunken brawl that was linked to the split. His decision to take a break from international football, however, may well be linked to Staunton's decision to omit him from the panel for the home game against San Marino, a decision that reportedly upset the player.

Given the 28-year-old had conceded four goals against the Netherlands and five against Cyprus, it was believed in some quarters Staunton was using the goalkeeper's personal difficulties as a reason to drop him, and at the time Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock made it clear Kenny wanted to be involved with the squad.

With no indication since that he would be preferred to either Colgan, who is playing in the Championship, or Henderson, who is currently plying his trade in League One, Kenny may have decided to cut his losses. However, the player insists his decision was motivated by personal matters. "I have been through a troublesome time recently and I want to spend time with my family at every opportunity. I have asked to be released from international duty for the time being so I can do that," he said.

Staunton, in reply, stated: "Paddy has got to put himself and his family first at a time like this and I fully respect his decision." The manager will name his squad tomorrow.

League champions Shelbourne, meanwhile, have been left without a single registered player following the departures over the weekend of Richie Baker to Drogheda United, Jamie Harris to Dunfermline and Dave Rogers to Derry City. Glen Crowe has also returned to Bohemians.

While Crowe was always expected to leave, the others only departed after it became apparent Shelbourne were not yet able to guarantee deals aimed at keeping them for the coming season. There have also been delays to the club's attempt to appoint a successor to Pat Fenlon, although it is expected Alan Matthews will this week return to Tolka Park, where he was previously assistant to Dermot Keely, from Longford Town.

Shamrock Rovers, who announced a €20,000 profit for last season, have signed four players for the coming campaign and also agreed a new three-year deal with manager Pat Scully. Barry Ferguson and Stephen O'Brien arrive at the club from Bohemians, the latter as a goalkeeping coach, while Robbie Kelleher and Tommy Barrett join from Limerick.