Roddy Collins: Roy Keane and Damien Duff are dream duo to revive Ireland

Collins believes that while Ireland's players respect Heimir Hallgrímsson, they do not fear him. 

Roddy Collins will take charge of the Bohemians Legends against Shamrock Rovers Legends on Saturday in a charity fundraiser for Rayne Judge, a four-year-old from Glasnevin battling a very rare and aggressive cancer. Kick off at Tolka Rovers is at 3pm. Pic: Tyler Miller/Sportsfile

Roddy Collins believes his dream team of Roy Keane and Damien Duff are the ideal combination to resurrect Ireland if another qualifying campaign crumbles.

Last month’s defeat to Armenia leaves Ireland playing catch-up in a short six-game campaign to reach next year’s World Cup.

Failure to avenge the Yerevan loss in Tuesday’s rematch will end Ireland’s quest for a top-two finish, fuelling talk of the next manager.

Heimir Hallgrímsson’s contract term correlates to this campaign and a parting is inevitable in that case.

Collins, who led Bohemians to their first double in 75 years, has been impressed with the Icelander since his appointment 15 months ago but feels he lacks a vital ingredient when it comes to maximising his resources.

“I like the manager because he speaks sense all the time and he represents us well,” said Collins. “However, I think there’s a lack of fear of him among the players. They respect and like him but don’t have any fear.

“I think this team is better than they showed against Armenia. You can’t judge the manager on a result away to Portugal but I’d like to see progress after last month’s disappointment.

“If it doesn’t work out, there’s only two people capable of lifting this squad.” 

Keane was spoken to three times by the FAI before they eventually settled on Hallgrímsson.

He was Martin O’Neill’s assistant when Ireland last qualified for a tournament nine years ago and has been open about his interest in the dynamics of international management.

He also recently raised the notion of working alongside his former Ireland teammate Duff, who sensationally quit as Shelbourne manager in June, just seven months on from guiding the club to their first men’s Premier Division title for 18 years.

“He’d be the bad cop and I’d be the good cop,” said Keane with a smile on an August edition of Stick To Football.

Duff recently indicated he would be amenable to a fresh challenge.

Collins considers the respective traits of Keane and Duff to be the perfect match for Ireland heading into a new cycle.

“I don’t think Duffer would have any hesitation about being an assistant,” said Collins.

“This is for your country. I wouldn’t see him as a No 2. It’s a partnership, not about egos.

“They have different aspects to manage: Roy’s strength is his motivation skills and man-management.

“Duffer is the coaching genius, a brilliant tactician. I’ve studied him, especially his in-game management, and haven’t seen him fail with any of his decisions.

“I watch dugouts and every time Duff changed players, formation or system at Shelbourne, he achieved. He’s well clued in for me. They won the title last year from that.

“They are my dream team and the players will respond.”