But luckily for me, it’s not as bad as I first thought.
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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”. You’re supposed to carry knocks because you are supposed to tackle people, you’re supposed to hit people at pace and hit them hard.
Keane was included in O’Neill’s 23-man squad to travel to France despite now being sidelined with a calf injury, though the player himself admitted that it is unlikely he will be fit for the opening game in Paris.
“Well, I wanted to kill some of them last night”, he told a press conference after training on Wednesday. “It’s not a nice feeling for anyone in there because there are players who are disappointed”, said the 40 year-old.
However, there is little danger of the players being allowed to get ahead of themselves. “Pass it to your mates and if you lose it, run back and run back like you care”.
Shay Given made the Ireland squad after playing part of Tuesday’s game.
“But one thing I would say about this group is we have some team spirit that keeps the lads together and I think that will stand us in good stead going forward”.
O’Neill gave lots of players a chance to stake a claim for a place in his squad, but the only stand-out was striker Long, who was already in line for a seat on the plane to France.
Harry Arter’s injury has come at a time where small knocks to crucial players could pose a serious problem for the national side, with the likes of captain Robbie Keane and midfielder James McCarthy already minor doubts for the tournament with knocks. “His track record is pretty good and his recovery rate is very good”, Keane said.
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The task could not be bigger against Sweden, Belgium and Italy, but the excitement of seeing Ireland back in a major championships is about to grip us all once again. The answer is yes. “I know he hasn’t played the last few weeks”, Keane explained.
