Any doubts any Irish fan may have had about Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane’s role with the Republic of Ireland team have been truly dispelled after Thursday’s win over Germany.
The duo, who were non-committal about their future just a few short months ago following our 1-1 draw with Scotland at the Aviva, look set to be rewarded for bringing us to the cusp of Euro 2016 by the FAI.
According to this morning’s Telegraph, O’Neill and his assistant are set to be offered a chance to extend their term in charge of the national football team after Euro 2016, regardless of whether we make it to next summer’s event in France or not.
Ireland are guaranteed a play-off spot at least for next summer’s championships, and the FAI are believed to be anxious to make sure that O’Neill is not tempted back into club management after his success with Ireland.
The Ulster man was linked with the Leicester City job this past summer but elected to concentrate on getting Ireland to just our third European Championships.
However while O’Neill may stick around, it seems that Roy Keane could be seeking yet another return to club involvement.
Keane’s last role in day-to-day club action was with Aston Villa , and the Corkman has made no secret that he does not see his long-term future with the Irish set-up.
He may be tempted to stick with O’Neill after our upswing in qualifying fortunes in the last two months has breathed new life into the duo’s partnership.
The FAI will not sit down with both men until the end of the campaign to try and decide on both men’s future with the Boys in Green.
