Keane backs Ireland to shock France in play-off
The Ipswich Town boss admits it’s a tough ask for Giovanni Trapattoni’s men, but believes they have what it takes to win the two legged play-off.
He said: “I’ve a good feeling for them. They’ve got a chance, but it’s a tough draw.
“I think Greece would have been the better one, if you can say that as they’re all good teams.”
Ireland host France in the first leg at Croke Park on Saturday, November 14 and then travel to the Stade de France the following Wednesday.
Keane says the likely absence of Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery due to a knee injury will help Ireland’s cause: “I see the lad Ribery might be missing, which can only be good for Ireland as he’s a top, top player.
“I’m looking forward to the games, looking forward to watching them. I think Ireland have a good chance.”
Before those games Keane will hope his side, without a victory in 13 league games this season, can finally get a win and begin to pull away from the foot of the Championship when they travel to second-bottom Plymouth today.
Despite their lowly position, the Ipswich crowd is still behind their manager and the players were applauded off on Tuesday night when a 93rd-minute Watford equaliser saw hopes of a win again dashed.
Keane admits that it’s difficult to think of too many other places where fans would have reacted similarly: “At any other club on this planet, probably no. I feel very lucky I have to say. After 13 games without a victory, it’s strange that the players are applauded off the pitch but that’s a credit to the supporters.”
Keane says heads haven’t dropped despite the unprecedented bad run.
He insisted: “The players played with a lot of freedom and a lot of confidence the other night. I’m not enjoying where we are and I don’t think anyone at the club has ever been on a run like this. As much as we’re disappointed, we’ve no one to blame but ourselves.”
Keane also continues to be backed by chief executive Simon Clegg, who reiterated his support after the Watford game: “Roy’s position is exactly the same now as it was at the start of the season. His team is improving with every game and it was a massively positive performance. But consistent with the season we are having so far, we conceded yet another late goal.”
Ipswich will be without Irish B international Jon Walters at Plymouth today due to an ankle injury he sustained in the Watford match. Keane has hinted that Republic of Ireland U19 international striker Ronan Murray, 18, could be added to the travelling party as cover.
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