Live

Repeat: OTB Breakfast

05:00 AM-07:00 AM

Repeat: OTB Breakfast
Advertisement
Soccer

Roy Keane: 'This must be rock bottom for Ireland'

Former Republic of Ireland captain Roy Keane has had his say on Ireland's disastrous 1-0 home def...



Roy Keane: 'This must be rock...
Soccer

Roy Keane: 'This must be rock bottom for Ireland'

Former Republic of Ireland captain Roy Keane has had his say on Ireland's disastrous 1-0 home defeat to Luxembourg.

"It was a tough night last night," Keane said on ITV Sport.

"I think this must be rock bottom now for Ireland and the group of players.

"There is a real lack of quality. A lot of the players now for Ireland are playing at Championship level and when your best player, Seamus Coleman, is a fullback, that's not a good sign. So, there are tough days ahead."

Roy Keane

Keane was then asked where the result leaves Stephen Kenny and his future in the job.

"He's got his ways and he's trying to play with more possession. He's trying to play through the team," Keane explained.

"The stats are scary for Ireland though, the lack of goals, the lack of goalscorers. It's difficult for Stephen Kenny.

"I analyse nearly all the Irish players nearly every weekend and none of them are doing too much at club level. They're doing ok and they're honest but a lot of them are playing in the Championship.

"When they turn up for Ireland and the manager has them for three or four days, it's very difficult and when the manager is trying to have this style of play where it's about possession, it's very difficult, especially if the players aren't up to it.

"The best player Ireland have, by far, is Seamus Coleman. He's playing for a brilliant club in Everton but they don't play European football, they don't challenge for trophies.

"It's a long way back for Ireland."

Related Reads:

'I'm still in favour of sticking with Stephen Kenny' | DAVID MEYLER

'Ireland had no cohesion' | KEVIN KILBANE

Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!

Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.


Read more about

Ireland Republic Of Ireland Roy Keane Seamus Coleman Stephen Kenny