Keane: Ireland need to be braver and smarter

Roy Keane said Ireland need to be play more bravely and with more intelligence after Friday's disappointing defeat to Scotland.

The Republic of Ireland assistant manager was speaking at a press conference in Dublin today ahead of Ireland's match against the USA on Tuesday.

Asked about the performance in Glasgow on Friday night, he readily admitted there were many aspects of the team's play that needed to improve.

"We would have liked to work their goalkeeper a bit more," Keane said. "Would have liked us to have got some more crosses, been more of a goal threat, retained the ball a bit better.

"There are a number of aspects you'd hope to improve on."

He put the onus on the players to play with more positivity, saying: "Have a bit more pride when you're on it(the ball), be more on the front foot. Obviously have more options for the player on the ball, a bit more bravery, particularly in the attacking third.

"Smarter too, we've got to be a smart team," he added. "The goal we conceded the other night certainly wasn't smart, you had players switching off and you get punished.

"Lots of aspects(to be improved)."

Keane spoke about Tuesday's opposition, and said Ireland should not underestimate the challenge posed by the Americans, who got to the knock-out stages of the World Cup in the summer.

"They've always been pretty decent, and they've got a very experienced manager," he said, and added that he hadn't been surprised by their performance in Brazil.

"They've got some good players, very experienced players who've been playing in the Premier League a long time."

Keane did say manager Martin O'Neill would be making changes and giving some of the fringe players a run in the friendly.

"You'd expect a number of changes," he confirmed. "Obviously you've got a lot of lads who've been in the squad for the last few games. I think they're entitled to get a game and show the manager what they're about."

"What's important for players when they're playing for Ireland is they go out and enjoy it. You have to enjoy these challenges."

Keane said the team would feel a certain level of pressure to perform, but said it was important for the players chosen to play on Tuesday to enjoy the match

"There is pressure of course, and you want them to perform, but enjoy the game," he said. "It's what we're here for, you've got to enjoy the pressure of it, even enjoy the disappointment because it gives you a chance to bounce back."

"It was a long journey back from Scotland, it was a massive disappointment. You always feel that you've let people down, but now we look forward to the game on Tuesday night. "