'I wouldn't begrudge them that moment': Roy Keane responds to Wayne Rooney's Ireland comments

Former Manchester United and Three Lions striker Wayne Rooney said he felt the celebrations were too much, too soon.

Troy Parrott of the Republic of Ireland celebrates with teammates. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Wayne Rooney has dubbed the Republic of Ireland celebrations post-victory in Hungary as "a little bit over the top". 

Ireland's Troy Parrott-led dramatic 3-2 comeback win in Hungary, coupled with their 2-0 dismissal of Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal in Dublin last week, means Heimir Hallgrimsson's men have now secured a play-off berth, and an away tie semi-final tie with Czechia. 

The dream of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup remains alive.

However, former Manchester United and Three Lions striker said he felt the celebrations were too much, too soon.

I think it was a little bit over the top," Rooney said, speaking on Stick To Football. "I get it, but the celebrations, I thought they had actually qualified."

Ireland legend Roy Keane, Rooney's former captain at club level, was quick to argue his point against his old teammate's words, noting the magnitude of the result given the recent plight of any good news in Irish international football. 

The Cork native was also quick to qualify the work still left to do to book their ticket to America. 

"What I would say about that Wayne, is that Ireland have been so bad the last few years," Keane said. "For them to get the win in Hungary with the last kick of the game, there's a lot of work still to be done to qualify obviously, but I wouldn't begrudge them that moment.

"For that team that has been struggling for so many years, to give a bit of a lift to the country. To get back-to-back wins, beating Portugal was huge, then you go and beat Hungary with the last kick of the game. If you can't enjoy them moments...

"I wouldn't begrudge them it, enjoy that moment."

To which Rooney responded: "I get what Roy said, I understand that. I just think it was a little bit too much."

Keane referenced how significant the away win was, given Ireland's struggles in recent years under Stephen Kenny and the early parts of this campaign under Hallgrimsson, where they lost away to Armenia in Yerevan. 

"Ireland have struggled over the years, particularly away from home, you always think there's a result in them at home. 

"To go and get back-to-back wins, obviously they will need another one because the draw will be away from home. That will be the challenge for them."