Keane had a huge row with then-Ireland manager Mick McCarthy at the training base in Japan 13 years ago, furious at perceived inadequate facilities and poor preparation, which resulted in the midfielder quitting the squad before a ball had been kicked.
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Martin O’Neill was for once lost for words as he contemplated joining England, Northern Ireland and Wales at the Euro 2016 finals.
The selection of 23 players for the finals in France was one of the topics discussed around the table as the sun was coming up, according to Keane.
Walters put the Irish one up on 24 minutes when the referee Bjorn Kuiper decided Ervin Zukanovic had handled a Daryl Murphy cross.
“He was the driving force of the team and when you are winning leagues and big cups and you have a driving force like that, I’m sorry but you can be classed as nothing else but world-class”. Obviously the manager is making the big calls. There’s a few times when it looked like we were down and out but we didn’t believe that.
“I’ve probably done very little, I’m not sure I can even justify my wages”.
Keane’s surly media persona hides a softer side and sources within the Ireland camp say he has been an extremely positive force behind the scenes, comforting and reassuring the players when they have needed it, most notably following the failure to beat Scotland in either game in their group, as well as motivating them. “Everybody is now feeling great, so the FAI deserve a pat on the back”. “It was a tough night against Bosnia, a tough group, a tough play-off”. “He’s not taking too numerous accolades but his influence has been enormous”. “He knows that I still have that ambition to get back into (club management)”, Keane said, quoted by the Times. “But I want to stay on for the Euros so we’ll play it by ear”. “I’m planning to meet the manager in the next few weeks to have a chat and see where he and all the other staff stand”.
Keane had been out of work since being sacked by Ipswich Town in January 2011, however the pair have formed an impressive working relationship, culminating in Monday night’s play-off win over Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Hero Walters said: “To qualify the way we did is unbelievable”.
After captaining Ireland away in Poland last month, Walters said he was very proud of his team and he thought of his mother as well after the dust had settled on the celebrations.
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“We have always found that hard but the fight and determination we showed out there tonight under lots of pressure in terms of possession”.
