A squad united.
Some worried what the reaction might be when Roy Keane went off on one following Tuesday’s hapless performance against Belarus.
But it seems there is nothing to fear.
James McClean was one of the few to emerge from the 2-1 defeat with any credit and the winger has given his backing to Keane’s comments following the game in Turner’s Cross.
Just another day in Roy Keane's lifelong struggle – https://t.co/KKyM5XK1Ae
— Dion Fanning (@dionfanning) June 1, 2016
The Republic of Ireland suffered a surprise loss to the team ranked 77th in the world.
And the fringe players within the group did little to make a legitimate claim to be considered for Martin O’Neill’s team against Sweden on June 13.
Keane was on media duty the morning after the game and was scornful of numerous players, claiming he “wanted to kill” some of those on show.
According to Keane, the basics of football such as passing accurately and running, had been beyond some of the Irish players at Turner’s Cross.
McClean told the media on Friday that he is fully supportive of Keane’s comments, and that working hard is ultimately the minimum to be expected of a footballer, regardless of whether they are playing well or not.
“I thought Roy’s comments were pretty much bang on. He shared them in the dressing-room as well,” the 27-year-old said.
“Obviously, you know Roy, he’s not afraid to speak his mind. Fair play, that’s the way it should be.”
“Not everyone can have a good game, but the bare minimum is that you can give 110 per cent in your performance. Come off the pitch not having the best of games, but at least you can say I put a shift in and I gave everything I could.”
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