There’s no-one quite like Roy Keane to make a few striking comments.
Keano was at his brilliant best on Friday afternoon during his pre-game briefing ahead of Ireland’s crunch World Cup qualifier clash against Austria.
The Cork man wants his players to put their bodies on the line, he wants them to be brave, he wants them to die for that green jersey.
“You want players playing on the edge and putting their bodies on the line, which players have done before — people like Seamus Coleman. You have to be able to accept whatever goes on, like Seamus breaking his leg. People have done a lot more for their country than breaking their legs. People have died for their country so we want our lads to put their bodies on the line and give everything they’ve got.”
In his playing days, the Corkonian was famed for his all energy, no nonsense type approach in the midfield. That’s exactly what the Ireland assistant manager is requesting from his players in the crucial tie.
Seamus Coleman has returned to the squad as he continues his rehab from the horror leg break he sustained against Wales, and Keane wants the rest of his squad to follow the captain’s example.
Fantastic to see @seamiecoleman23 at @FAIreland training today! His presence alone will get the Boys In Green going ahead the Austria game! pic.twitter.com/wisd9DCQdM
— Inpho Photography (@Inphosports) June 9, 2017
“That’s my mindset when I’m working with a group of players. We’re going into battle on Sunday, be ready to put your body on the line like Seamus did. You’ve got to follow that.”
