Expect Irish evolution, not revolution, says Keane

While Roy Keane insists that winning is what it’s all about, he has warned against expectations of “a quick fix” as the new management continue their work on shaping a side which can qualify for the finals of Euro 2016.

“Sometimes managers, or the Irish team, can get labelled with a certain way of playing,” Keane acknowledged. “I think if we can win matches. I think that’s the most important thing.

“We have got good players. Even going back to when I played, Ireland got criticised for maybe being too direct, didn’t keep the ball well enough. Even when I played under Jack [Charlton] or even Mick [McCarthy], we were pretty direct. The game is changing but it depends on the players you have available.

“We’ve got a lot of good ball players. Reidy [Andy Reid], Wes Hoolahan, we’ve mentioned Stephen Ireland, all very talented boys. Stokesy [Anthony Stokes]. So it depends on what games come around, what players are available, who’s in good form, who’s in their club teams.

“Again, don’t underestimate Martin’s experience. He’s got great experience and I certainly know from watching his teams over the years, his teams have played different styles of play. They can be very aggressive, they can be a good counter-attacking team, which he certainly did at Aston Villa. Pretty physical and strong up at Celtic. Very good team he built at Leicester. So, as I said, it’s not a quick fix. Don’t be thinking that all of a sudden we’re going to be playing a system that you’ve not heard of. Again, we’ll look at the players and we’ll look at what’s available.”

While expressing the hope that new talent can be introduced to the squad, Keane again insisted that this too has to be a work in progress.

“We’re not putting ourselves under pressure to try and discover players or find out something that the previous management didn’t,” he said. “No, no, it’ll be a slow process on that side of it but what we have to look at [is that] a lot of our players are doing well week in, week out in the Premier League. Martin and myself, we have to try and get a bigger squad. Every player that might be available we’ll look at them. We’re not shutting any doors on any players. But it might just take a bit of time.

“We’ve got potentially four games at the end of the season and we might get an opportunity to look at some other players then. But I know Martin is like myself, we still want to win the football matches. I don’t think we want to be throwing caps around. We want the lads to earn the right to play, particularly for the senior team. So it’s a process we’re enjoying. Martin’s a good guy and I feel lucky to be working with him.”

Since he was speaking on a visit to this hometown, it was perhaps inevitable that Keane would be asked if he’d like to see more Cork men in the national team.

“We keep looking,” he grinned. “Again, if they’re good enough, they’ll get involved. I think it’s important Martin and myself look at the League of Ireland players. I think it’s important we go and watch the games. I think people have been far too negative about League of Ireland football. I think it’s very good and I think a lot of the teams are trying to play good football now.

“It’s great that Cork City have had a good start. Momentum is vital in sport, confidence, backing behind the manager. I saw Cork City play last season, some good stuff. But I don’t get bogged down in terms of getting people like [Dave] Meyler involved. If they’re doing well for the clubs, they’ll have a chance. But, would I like to see more Cork fellas in the Irish squad... probably. If I could, I’d get some lads from Mayfield involved!”

There’s time to smile now but Keane knows the pressure will ratchet up come autumn when the opening phase of the Euro qualifiers will see Ireland face Georgia, Germany and Scotland, all away, with Gibraltar the only competitive game in Dublin this year.

“Yeah, it’s going to be tough, but that’s the name of the game,” Keane acknowledged. “It’s tough at any level. The draw could have been kinder to us but, hey, what do you do, cry about it? We just have to get on with it. The way the games panned out, three of the first games are away, it’s going to be difficult. But I’m looking forward to it. I’m looking forward to the challenge.

“I think what we will have, like all Irish teams I’ve seen or been involved in, they always have a go. They always have a go, despite the criticism. First impressions of the group if we are going to get beaten, then teams will have to be very strong to beat us.”