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Manager Martin O'Neill pictured at training earlier Donall Farmer/INPHO

Martin O'Neill 'hasn't read' controversial Roy Keane comments

The Ireland manager also confirmed that Cyrus Christie and David McGoldrick would start tomorrow night.

IRELAND MANAGER MARTIN O’Neill claims he “hasn’t read” recent controversial comments made by assistant manager Roy Keane regarding the Irish team.

Keane at the weekend suggested the availability of Everton’s James McCarthy and Seamus Coleman may become an issue, while also seemingly taking exception with Jack Grealish’s father supposedly prompting a delay on the youngster’s decision to potentially declare for Ireland.

When asked about Keane’s comments in relation to McCarthy, O’Neill said: “First of all, I haven’t picked up on Roy’s comments, I don’t follow him around.  I haven’t had the chance to read what he’s said.

“From my own perspective, regardless of what Roy’s said, the situation was this: [McCarthy and Coleman] weren’t fit for the game against Gibraltar and Germany, and played [for Everton] a few days later — that’s understandable.

“This particular time, James does have a muscle injury. He came here and wanted to give it a go, but we always thought that time would be against us, but I think he’ll be perfectly alright to play for his club. So there’s not much more I can say about it.”

When pressed further about the potential issue between club and country, O’Neill responded: “Every single time there seems to be ‘a distraction or another issue’ with Roy. I’m delighted to have him. I chose him in the first place to bring him in here and he’s been terrific.

“All these distractions… Some things materialise that aren’t of his doing to begin with. He’s got a mind of his own, he can say what he wants.

“Unless it’s utterly in contradiction with what I’m saying to you, then I do not have a problem with it.”

On the topic of Grealish, when a journalist read out the Keane comments in question, O’Neill said:

“I’ve spoken to Jack Grealish’s father. Jack’s father and Jack were not in any great hurry at that particular time to make their mind up. It was entirely up to them.

“If Jack pulls out of the under-21 team, good luck to him.

“Roy’s not going to be running around asking Jack’s father every single day if he’s made his mind up. We’ll let them decide themselves.”

Meanwhile, when it was pointed out that the comments about Grealish’s father were “not a pleasant thing to say,” O’Neill responded: “What do you want me to say? Seriously?”

And after being asked whether he would discuss Everton chairman Bill Kenwright’s comments today about Keane with manager Roberto Martinez, O’Neill said: “I think that I will… It is not my job to read the newspapers every single morning.

“I’ve other things to do at this minute. I’m not saying that they’re more important but they’re issues I have to address. So I might get a chance to find out exactly what was said on both sides and then I will take a view.”

O’Neill added that Everton full-back Seamus Coleman could still feature in tomorrow night’s game against USA, while he also confirmed that new squad members Cyrus Christie and David McGoldrick would make their debuts from the start of the match.

He also was cagey on recent angry remarks made by Robbie Keane, ostensibly questioning why the Ireland manager has previously chosen to play him as a lone striker, yet not as part of a two-man strike-force — his preferred role — last Friday.

“I’m not sure I have to explain every single decision,” O’Neill said.

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19 Comments
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    Mute Aidan O'Driscoll
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    Nov 17th 2014, 4:44 PM

    Ffs if Roy does a shit the press are asking Martin what kind of toilet paper is he using

    158
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    Mute stephen cullen
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    Nov 17th 2014, 5:26 PM

    Word of the day is “wedge” media trying to drive it between Ireland management team and goverment trying to give us the short end of it regarding irish water costs!

    41
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    Mute Jamie Brogan
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    Nov 17th 2014, 5:08 PM

    The media is bloody ridiculous, it’s gotten out of hand. This is some TMZ level nonsense.

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    Mute Dermot Lane
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    Nov 17th 2014, 5:14 PM

    Whether it’s a media thing or not, O’ Neill must have a pain in his arse answering questions about Keane

    42
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    Mute David Carino
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    Nov 17th 2014, 4:34 PM

    Who care ffs !! Write about something else will ya

    54
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    Mute Don Juan
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    Nov 17th 2014, 4:06 PM

    Dear Journal,
    Eagerly awaiting ma Roy Keane Press blackout.

    Regards,
    Don Juan.

    54
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    Mute James W. Conroy
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    Nov 17th 2014, 4:04 PM

    Get rid of Keane he’s bad news

    42
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    Mute Simon Gregg
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    Nov 17th 2014, 4:19 PM

    Wonder what Villa make of all this…………..

    25
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    Mute willie
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    Nov 17th 2014, 4:21 PM

    He hadn’t read them cos he’s sick of him! Get rid of him Martin

    36
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    Mute Rory Patrick
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    Nov 17th 2014, 5:42 PM

    There were no “controversial remarks” – just another pathetic attempt by the media to create a rift in the Irish managerial setup.

    35
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    Mute vv7k7Z3c
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    Nov 17th 2014, 5:50 PM

    The definition of a controversy is a ‘prolonged public disagreement or heated discussion’.

    Regardless of whether you agree with Keane or not, his comments have clearly caused heated discussion, hence they’re controversial.

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    Mute Rory Patrick
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    Nov 17th 2014, 6:44 PM

    Absolute nonsense, this is the perfect example of a manufactured “controversy” and a continuation of the media “frenzy” surrounding the non-story “assault” at the team hotel before the Scotland game. Keane can’t move without the media blowing everything out of proportion. They know his name sells papers and doubly so if there is even the slightest hint of him getting annoyed. And can you blame him for asking “Who the hell do you think you are?” with the likes of this clickbait gibberish?

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    Mute Fearghal Brennan
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    Nov 17th 2014, 4:41 PM

    At what stage in the future will the Keane brigade start shouting about O’Neill not having a clue and telling us it’s time Roy took over. His consent forays into the headlines are tiresome and should do everyone a favour and go back to ITV. His time is nearly up at Villa anyway but I’m sure Lambert will get the blame there.

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    Mute John Dixon
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    Nov 17th 2014, 6:39 PM

    I thought the British media were bad. Our own lot are no better……These so called stories are non stories. Wouldnt be surprised if O’Neill walked away altogether.

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    Mute Gerard Fitzgerald
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    Nov 17th 2014, 5:52 PM

    Roy shocks the docile sheep by having a opinion and a pair of balls,!!!

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    Mute Joe Travers
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    Nov 17th 2014, 6:37 PM

    It’s a perfect blend. Keane can go out and say what o Neill wants to say but can’t incase he offends. Great tactics.

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    Mute Augustus hoop
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    Nov 17th 2014, 8:11 PM

    I’d prefer our management team to be more concerned about tactics on the pitch – that Scotland side are no better than us man for man, but looked a much better side

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    Mute Augustus hoop
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    Nov 17th 2014, 5:53 PM

    Missed what keane said about grealish/grealish’s dad?

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    Mute Sean Morrissey
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    Nov 17th 2014, 3:55 PM

    g shh hhh GB kk

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