Players unfazed by FAI furore, explains cool Roy Keane

Roy Keane insists that the Fifa/FAI controversy is not impacting in any way on Ireland’s preparations for tomorrow’s friendly against England and next Saturday’s Euro qualifier against Scotland.

At the team’s training base in Malahide yesterday, Ireland’s assistant manager said he understood why journalists were seeking his views on the big news story of the week — “Of course I can and I was expecting it” — but he maintained that the focus of the management and squad this weekend is entirely on events on the pitch.

Asked if he felt restricted in what he could say, a chirpy Keane looked bemused. “No, by who?” he inquired. “Who’s going to... it’s never happened before, has it?”