Coyle hails Keane for double
Glasgow-born Coyle, the former Burnley, Bolton and Wigan manager, who was capped once for Ireland, revealed how social encounters with Keane at a concert and a Celtic match convinced him that the Corkman was itching to get back into the game
“I’ve been with Roy a couple of times in the last year,” said Coyle. “Himself and his wife and myself and my wife met at the Deacon Blue concert in Manchester. [Vocalist/guitarist] Ricky Ross is a pal of mine and Roy knows him well, so we were guests upstairs. And we sat for, it must have been, over an hour before the concert. I’ve got a lot of time for him, he’s always relaxed in my company, we get on really well and chat away. And then we attended the Celtic-Shakhtar Karagandy Champions League qualifier and, again, had a great laugh and a good chat before watching the game together.
“But you knew through those chats that the fire was still in his belly for the game. He loves the game. I mean, we all know he was an outstanding player and about his success as a manager as well and, again, there’s no doubt he was looking for that right opportunity. And I think working with Martin, they have different strengths, and both can help each other. And now there’s the experience of working weekly with Paul, who’s a good friend of mine as well, and that’s going to stand him in good stead too.”
Coyle sees no conflict of interest in Keane’s club and country commitments, arguing there will be ample compensation for the fact that he will see less of other Irish players in action for their clubs because of his work with Villa.
“It’s very simple, it’s not that he’s not going to games so therefore he’s not bringing anything to the party,” said Coyle. “He’s now involved in what for me is the best league in the world, he’s seeing the best players and best systems, so he’s going to bring all that knowledge and experience of club players to the national level.
“So I don’t see what the downside is. I think it’s a win-win situation. And the other thing about him: you know the work ethic he’s got. He’s first in and last away. And he’s still got that bit between his teeth.”
But — the crucial question — did he sing along with Deacon Blue?
“Aye, I think he can hold a tune, can he?” Coyle grinned, adding, “well, I wasn’t going to turn to him and say, ‘Roy, you’re not a very good singer’ [laughs]. Nah, it was good fun.”
On more serious matters, Coyle is expecting more from two Irish players whose paths he crossed in his time at Wigan — James McClean and James McCarthy.
“I brought [McClean] to Wigan Athletic because I knew the football qualities that he had,” he said. “I’ve nothing but praise for him, I like him as a player and I like him as a lad. He’s misunderstood in many ways, he’s got a heart of gold, the kid, he does a lot for charity as well. I think if people had a full understanding of what he’s like, they would cut him some slack. And he has ability. He will continue to get better.”
Coyle was well aware of his fellow Glaswegian McCarthy from the time when the latter was a kid to watch on the Scottish football scene and, as Wigan manager, fully understood the need for him to move on to better things when Everton came calling.
“James is a complete midfielder,” he said. “He is very good in the air, he’s got pace, he can tackle, he can pass, he can run with the ball and he can score a goal. There’s nothing he can’t do. And because of his age, I believe he’ll continue getting better.”
As for qualification for Euro 2016, Coyle reckons it will come down to a head to head for the automatic second berth between Ireland and Scotland.
“I think we’d all concede Germany will be winners of the group. I think second place — people will make a case for Poland — but for me the games between Scotland and Ireland will decide who finishes second.”
He also thinks that playing Scotland in Celtic Park could give the Irish a telling advantage.
“It’s a home game for Scotland but psychologically — and that plays a huge part i— it does have an impact. There’s no doubt that when Martin O’Neill walks out, he’ll feel 10 foot tall anyway because of the success he’s brought to the football club. And Roy was there too. People will talk about the support too because obviously in Glasgow there’s a tremendous Irish allegiance. So, as much as the game will be played on the park, those games will come down to fine margins. And if it’s a little bit of a subconscious [boost], it can always help.”
Out of management since parting company with Wigan, Coyle is waiting for “the right job”. Meantime, he continues his media work and will join the likes of Keith Andrews, Kevin Kilbane, Stephen Hunt and Kenny Cunningham in ‘Off The Ball’s’ coverage of the new season on Newstalk.
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