Keane wants ‘boss with balls’

Robbie Keane doesn’t mince his words when he’s asked what qualities he would like to see in the next manager of Ireland.

“I want someone who is honest, who doesn’t mess around, who understands how important it is to work at international level, someone who is proud to be an international manager and proud of what we are trying to achieve in Ireland,” says the skipper, building up quite a head of steam. “Someone who is honest, somebody who has balls, you know, someone who doesn’t take any shit from anybody.”

Meaning? “Everything to be honest with you, I don’t want to be specific on certain things but I think everything that comes with being an international manager — knowing that if someone doesn’t get picked or is going to be upset with a manager who is very strong in his views...”