Keane rallies Ireland

Roy Keane sounded a positive rallying cry despite the Republic of Ireland suffering a setback on the road to the World Cup finals.

Keane, along with many of the Ireland players, conceded Saturday’s 1-1 draw in Israel felt more like a defeat after Abas Suan’s late goal denied them three precious points in a tight Group Four.

“It was a disappointing result because it was such a big game,” said the Manchester United skipper, who will miss Israel’s visit to Dublin in early June - along with right-back Stephen Carr – after picking up his second caution of the campaign.

“In any qualifying group there is going to be ups and downs, and although we are down at the moment, we will be up again.

“It is not as simple as just winning every match. We have to remember we have had one or two positive away results, and there is still a long way to go.

“We just have to accept what has happened, get on with it and be positive, and that is what we will do.”

Suan’s 25-yard strike just two seconds into injury time has put a different slant on Ireland’s hopes of playing in Germany next summer.

However, the dejection felt at the final whistle in Tel Aviv was tempered two hours later when France were held to yet another goalless home draw, this time by Switzerland.

The results ensured the status quo was preserved in the group, with the Republic out in front on goal difference from the French and Israelis, with the Swiss three points adrift but with a game in hand.

There was an air of disquiet, though, at the seemingly negative approach adopted by Ireland after Clinton Morrison had silenced the raucous home crowd just 186 seconds into the match.

“It was an ideal start for us,” said Keane.

“But being the home team they were always going to come at us, particularly in the second half when they made a lot of substitutions.

“In saying that, we should still have killed the game off. We could have done more in the second half in terms of possession and testing their goalkeeper.

“But football is a cruel game at times, and at 1-0 there is always a danger the other team will score, no matter what level you are at and so it proved.

“It is just a pity their goal came so late because there was no time to come back, but as I say, we will be okay.”

Suan’s drive was perfect, and goalkeeper Shay Given concedes there was little he could do to prevent such a late heartbreaker.

“We feel as if we have lost the game,” expressed a disappointed Given.

“We felt as if we had the game won, but then they get that late goal and it’s a kick in the teeth. The heads are down.

“Perhaps you could say we were a bit conservative, but then hindsight is a great thing. You think ‘do we push forward for another goal or sit tight and defend what we have?’

“Looking at it we should have tried to get another goal, and overall we are disappointed we have dropped two big points in the group.”

But Given, like Keane feels Ireland are still in control of their own destiny, even if they will be deposed at the top of the table on Wednesday when Israel host France, regardless of the result.

“I am sure Israel will be boosted by their late goal and their spirits will be up,” added Given.

“But there is a lot of football still to play in the group and we feel we can still do it.”

Football Association of Ireland president Milo Corcoran, meanwhile, is expected to return to Dublin today after being detained overnight at a Tel Aviv hospital.

Corcoran was taken ill just as the plane carrying players, team officials, media and supporters was due to take off from Ben Gurion International Airport.

It is not known whether Corcoran will be fit to resume his duties for tomorrow’s Lansdowne Road friendly against China.