Roy Keane: 'For Ireland to get back into the mix and have a chance, amazing'

Speaking to ITV ahead of England’s qualifier against Albania, Keane shared his thoughts on the Boys in Green’s victory in Budapest

ROY IN GREEN: ITV Sport's Ian Wright and Roy Keane. Pic: Mike Egerton/PA Wire.

Roy Keane believes the Republic of Ireland’s famous victory in Hungary will be a “great boost for the country” and has praised Troy Parrott for his hat-trick that won it.

Parrott’s superbly taken penalty in the first half had levelled the scores at 1-1 in the 14th minute before his clever clipped finish made it 2-2 in the 80th minute.

But when Ireland needed a winner to leapfrog their opponents and snatch a World Cup playoff spot, up stepped the 23-year-old in the final seconds of injury time to prod the ball home to make it 3-2 at a stunned Puskás Arena.

And speaking to ITV ahead of England’s qualifier against Albania, Keane shared his thoughts on the Boys in Green’s victory.

“Fantastic, amazing,” began the former Ireland captain.

“When you think the way they started the campaign, a draw and a defeat. To win today on the back of the Portugal result, fantastic.

“Great boost for the country and the team. The manager was heavily criticised but they've bounced back and got some momentum now.

“Parrott got a hat-trick. There was always talk about Parrott over the last few years, but he has stepped up in the last few days.

“Great achievement. Fingers crossed now for when they go to the play-offs...

“For Ireland to get back into the mix and have a chance, amazing.”