In a discussion regarding the greatest transfer signing in Premier League history, David Meyler recalled working under Roy Keane in the Republic of Ireland set-up.
Drafted in to work as Martin O'Neill's assistant upon his appointment in 2013, there was a general impression that the involvement of Roy Keane on this managerial ticket owed much to what he could inspire in terms of reputation alone.
One of Ireland's greatest footballing exports, the Cork native memorably captained Manchester United to years of domestic dominance in the Premier League and on the European stage. Upon encountering him within the Irish set-up, David Meyler explained to OTB Sports how Keane operated in a manner that resembles his current showings on television.
"Most of you wouldn't have seen this at the time, but I was on the bench when Robbie Brady scored against Italy," Meyler recalled of the European Championship tie against the Italians in 2016, noting Keane's aversion to any on-field affection between opposing players.
"After the game, Gigi Buffon actually went over and hugged Martin and Roy, just to kind of say well done. He was just a big, friendly Italian fella. Even then though, Roy was kind of a bit, 'Get off me', you know."
Despite Keane's outlook with regard to such displays of emotion, however, Meyler highlighted exactly why the former Ireland captain inspires such a reaction in people.
"I reckon Roy is going to ring me after this and go mad," he suggested, bringing us back to a friendly that took place between Ireland and Italy in the build-up to the 2014 World Cup.
"After the game we were just waiting on the bus. Anyway, [Andrea] Pirlo walks over to Roy to just shake his hand and say hello. Then Daniele De Rossi went up to Roy and asked him for a photograph. As much as we're looking on then thinking these fellas are World Cup winners and phenomenal players, they're all going up to Roy.
"You see a lot of people nowadays on social media say that Roy Keane wasn't that great and just happened to be a good captain. When you see the level of respect he has from those kinds of players though, it shows how good he was."
Watch back the full Football Show on OTB Sports with David Meyler, Shane Keegan and Johnny Ward right here
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