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O'Neill in San Sebastian last night. INPHO/Donall Farmer

'A job like this might not come around for some time' - O'Neill privileged to manage Ireland

The FAI’s new man also believes the players won’t have any issues with working under Roy Keane.

MARTIN O’NEILL SAYS it is a “privilege” to manage Ireland and insists the job was simply too good to turn down.

The FAI yesterday confirmed that O’Neill will take charge of the national team with legendary ex-player Roy Keane coming on board as his assistant.

The Derry native will be officially unveiled at a press conference in Dublin on Saturday before the squad meet up on Monday to train in preparation for next week’s friendly against Latvia at the Aviva Stadium.

O’Neill, who joked that the new management team were made up of a “bad cop” and a “bad, bad cop” last night, told Sky Sports News:

“It’s a privilege to manage the Republic of Ireland,” he told Sky Sports. “A job like this may not come around for quite some considerable time.

“The Republic of Ireland have had some success, Jack Charlton was great, Mick McCarthy was excellent and Trapattoni did very well indeed and all stayed in the job for quite a number of years.

So that opportunity may not be afforded to anyone in the foreseeable future.”

O’Neill added that he and FAI chief executive John Delaney are delighted to have addition of Keane while the incoming boss believes the squad will work well under one of the country’s most divisive figures.

“The players will have no problem working with him (Roy). They will be very positive as they want to play for their country, regardless of who is running the team.”

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    Mute James Costigan
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    Nov 6th 2013, 1:48 PM

    If I can quote from a movie called Mike Basset England manager “were going to play 4_4_ fu#king 2 “

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    Mute Sean Barber
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    Nov 6th 2013, 2:55 PM

    Martin O’Neill rarely plays 4-4-2. That being said 4-4-2 can work for us, we just need to play our players in their correct positions. With pacy wingers and hard working midfield it can be effective at international level. Sweden use it.

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    Mute Sean Barber
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    Nov 6th 2013, 2:56 PM

    I gave a “thumbs up” to my own comment

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    Mute Sean Barber
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    Nov 6th 2013, 2:57 PM

    So…?

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    Mute Free Gallant
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    Nov 6th 2013, 3:49 PM

    These aren’t the musings of a sane man.
    You alright Sean?

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    Mute Cathal Lynch
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    Nov 6th 2013, 9:18 PM

    Are y’alright Sharon?

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    Mute Brian Badonde
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    Nov 7th 2013, 7:39 PM

    I suppose the ride is out of the question

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    Mute Kevin Carey
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    Nov 6th 2013, 8:51 PM

    Never would have called this partnership in a million years. Sounds promising, 2 good leaders. Im optimistic.

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