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McGrath is a friend of Keane's. INPHO/Dan Sheridan
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O'Neill and Keane pairing 'a dream for Ireland' - Paul McGrath

The former defender believes the assistant-in-waiting has what it takes to be a number two.

LEGENDARY DEFENDER PAUL McGrath has given his full backing to the Ireland management pairing of Roy Keane and Martin O’Neill, which is expected to be confirmed imminently, describing the partnership as “a dream for Ireland”.

“When I heard this news, I was delighted for Roy in particular, but also for Martin O’Neill, because I do think he’s a great manager,” he told RTE Radio 1′s Marian Finucane Show.  ”To pull off this coup would be a dream for Ireland.”

McGrath, who is a friend of Keane’s, said he is relieved that the former Man United midfielder looks set to get another opportunity in coaching, especially following Alex Ferguson’s recent critical comments about the Corkonian.

“Fergie could have put Roy’s career in jeopardy. I thought it was a bit below the belt. When I heard this news, I was delighted for Roy in particular, but also for Martin O’Neill, because I do think he’s a great manager.”

Moreover, McGrath dismissed claims that Keane would have to alter his persona drastically in order to be a successful number two.

“It’s not an ego thing with Roy,” he said. “There are certain statements I don’t agree with that he comes out with, but he’ll know that there are certain things he can say to Martin and there are certain things he can’t say to Martin, but he won’t be afraid to say anything — that’s for sure.

“Roy’s doesn’t blow up that much. I’ve been in his company loads of times and don’t have a bad word to say. He loves giving advice to younger players and seeing them develop. The Neville brothers were apparently afraid of him [initially], but they’ve gone on to have great careers. He did shout and bawl and demand a certain standard though.”

McGrath also expressed enthusiasm for the prospect of O’Neill taking over as boss: “He’s one of those managers that players want to play for. If he brings players to a club, he knows they’ll get a chance to play for him and prove themselves to him.

“He’s a very honest  and articulate man. And to link him up with Roy is a magnificent thing for the FAI to have done. Roy can learn the craft, because Martin’s more experienced. It would be great for Roy and great for the country because I think three-quarters of the country still love him.”

Meanwhile, the ex-Aston Villa defender believes O’Neill is unlikely to go out of his way to convince international outcast Stephen Ireland to make himself available for selection.

“I’d say he’d be as tough on Stephen as other people have been. There’d be a way in for him because he’s a very good player, but if he says ‘no,’ I don’t think they’ll worry.”

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