Martin O’Neill’s Republic of Ireland side have been given some positive injury news ahead of their opening European Championship game against Sweden on June 13th.
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Indeed, the superb form of Shane Long – who has emerged as a top worldwide striker – aside, Ireland look particularly weak upfront.
The exploits of Premier League champions Leicester City might prove an inspiration for the underdogs of Euro 2016, but Republic of Ireland coach Martin O’Neill insists any comparisons between his side and Claudio Ranieri’s are “unrealistic”.
The reality is, Ireland have never been a national team that has gone out and beaten teams by three or four goals.
“It’s not chess we are playing”.
“I’m not too happy with all that nonsense”.
Roy Keane gave it to the players with both barrels today following their disappointing performance in their last Euro 2016 warm-up game against Belarus.
‘There is no bigger a test than playing the world champions home and away, ‘ added O’Neill, who has no points target in mind if Ireland are to reach the last 16 with his sole focus now on the Sweden game.
“They should be counting their blessing that they’ve managed to get on the flight. They want to see the team winning – let’s not kid ourselves, we are a small country, we are up against it, but let’s not just go along for the sing-song every now and again”.
That qualifying win against Germany is still fresh in all our minds and it was a night that reminded us that anything is possible in this game.
“Sometimes we make excuses for players – “they’ve not played much football” – but they’re still training, you still control the ball, you have to run”.
McCarthy and Keane both underwent a light training session before the Belarus game.
“Robbie didn’t do any work but we didn’t expect him to”.
Ireland skipper Robbie Keane can not guarantee he will be fully fit to face Sweden in his country’s first match of the European Championship but has no doubts he will be ready for the game against Belgium five days later.
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“There are only so many players you can bring with you who are carrying knocks – and I think Harry’s is more than a knock”.
