Martin O’Neill was in typically deadpan form as he discussed Ireland’s European Championship Qualifier with Scotland tomorrow.
O’Neill released a statement, early today, to give assistant manager Roy Keane his full support over the alleged altercation with a fan in the Irish team’s hotel in Portmarnock on Wednesday night. At the Celtic Park press conference, O’Neill briefly spoke about his assistant. ‘It’s a distraction but that’s all it is. I made a statement earlier today and there’s not much I can add to it.’
With the Keane matter addressed, journalists focused on the crucial qualifier on Friday evening. O’Neill was quick off the mark when a Scottish journalist asked why Ireland had not trained at a ground he used to frequent as Celtic manager. ‘I’m not going to give you any indication (about my team) today,’ he responded. ‘There were too many Scottish supporters around. But you can come to my room tonight.’ When the laughter about the nocturnal invite to discuss team tactics died down, O’Neill added, ‘Quarter past 12.’
The Ireland boss says the Scottish clash is a ‘very, very significant match’ but feels his team’s Euro 2016 destiny will depend on their form at the Aviva Stadium next year. He revealed the Irish management team were always aware that Glenn Whelan was a serious injury doubt but the James McCarthy withdrawal was a setback. ‘We were working on the assumption for the last couple of days that they might not make it,’ he added.
Ireland captain Robbie Keane joined his manager for the conference and was asked to reflect on his time at Celtic Park. ‘I remember coming from London, getting off the plane, going to Celtic Park and seeing 5,000 fans there. It was one of the best feelings I’ve ever had. From start to finish the experience was great. I enjoyed every minute of it,’ he said.
Keane also found time to joke with the press corp. Asked to comment about the goal-scoring form of Jon Walters and Shane Long over the weekend, the LA Galaxy striker remarked, ‘I scored on Sunday too.’
