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Ireland manager Martin O'Neill pictured at today's press conference. Donall Farmer/INPHO

I won't stand in Roy Keane's way if he wants to leave - O'Neill

The Ireland boss also said David Meyler and Anthony Pilkington came through training without any ill effects.

IRELAND MANAGER MARTIN O’Neill says he isn’t annoyed by persistent rumours linking Roy Keane to other jobs and claims he wouldn’t stand in the assistant boss’ way if he chose to avail of an opportunity elsewhere.

Keane has been linked with a number of positions in recent times, most recently the assistant manager role at Man United and the vacant Celtic job.

However, O’Neill emphasised that such stories were “pure speculation” at the moment. Commenting on the Celtic job rumours, he added: “I wouldn’t be standing in his way. I’d speak to John Delaney… The speculation wouldn’t bother me too much.

“When I took him on in the first place, I can’t say I thought of that being an issue. He wasn’t being mentioned for jobs at the time. But such is the profile of the man that I probably should’ve expected it.

“I think the experience with Sunderland and Ipswich will put him in good stead. He’s naturally disappointed with the Ipswich affair. And I think this [role] is good for him.

“He had this opportunity to come with me. I’ve often said he will be a manager. There’s no question about it.”

O’Neill also backed goalkeeper Keiren Westwood to recover after it was last night confirmed that he had been released by Sunderland.

The goalkeeper is currently recuperating from shoulder surgery and has consequently not been included in the current Ireland squad, however O’Neill says he could still be an important part of his plans in the future.

“I spoke to Keiren a number of weeks ago. I think he should be able to get fixed up — he’s a talented lad, but he’s been injured for quite some time.

“With the talent he possesses, he should get fixed up, which of course, is important for him.”

O’Neill said that injury doubts David Meyler and Anthony Pilkington both trained today, and are likely be available for tomorrow’s game with Turkey.

He added that he had yet to decide on the starting XI for the Aviva Stadium clash, but said he’d “give it some consideration this afternoon”.

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    Mute Mr.Phil.Officer
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    May 24th 2014, 3:10 PM

    I hope he stays. A lot of the younger players in the squad grew up idolising RK and he will get the best out of them.

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    Mute Cathal Kelly
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    May 24th 2014, 3:20 PM

    The problem with Keane is that he may expect simply too much from some players. I think he sometimes forgets that we’re Ireland, not Spain!

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    Mute Mr.Phil.Officer
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    May 24th 2014, 3:41 PM

    It’s a winners mentality RK has got, unfortunately some players haven’t got it and their the ones that annoy Roy. But if the squad gives 100% I think Roy will be calm enough :)

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    Mute Seán Ryan
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    May 24th 2014, 6:01 PM

    Look at Belgium, silly statement fella

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    Mute Hank Schrader
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    May 24th 2014, 2:42 PM

    Roy wouldn’t be averse to walking out on Ireland.. But we’ve all moved on from that now and here’s hoping he stays.

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    Mute Paul Foot
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    May 24th 2014, 3:41 PM

    Keane is a traitor – walked out on his country during a World Cup. He’ll do the same again, if it suits him. Awful on TV.

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    Mute Mr.Phil.Officer
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    May 24th 2014, 3:45 PM

    You must be looking at different TV, Roy is a good pundit, he says it straight how it is and always grabbing headlines. I just want him to start a row with UTV and join a Irish station ;)

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    Mute Paul Foot
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    May 24th 2014, 3:58 PM

    You’re entitled to your opinion. Keane is/was a mediocrity in everything, except as a player. No other player walked out on his country during a WC finals. I also hope he goes to RTE – I don’t watch it!

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    Mute Eamonn coughlan
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    May 24th 2014, 4:05 PM

    Bitter much

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    Mute Nydon
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    May 24th 2014, 5:39 PM

    I don’t think anyone would consider standing in RK’s way really.

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    Mute gerry campbell
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    May 24th 2014, 5:00 PM

    He could easily do both jobs, get a good no 2 in at Celtic, for the few days he’s away, shur , twud work the finest.

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    Mute shane Brannigan
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    May 24th 2014, 9:28 PM

    He’d get his arse kicked in if he did try to stand in his way!!

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    Mute Brian Carroll
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    May 24th 2014, 5:43 PM

    And again more spa’s

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