Brian is really funny, he is a little bit mad but we’re all really enjoying working alongside him

PAUL O’HEHIR

BY

BRIAN KERR is a ‘mad’ character but Nathan Collins is enjoying learning from the former Ireland boss.

Kerr is back in the international fold for the first time in 19 years, having been appointed as ‘technical advisor’ to interim manager John O’shea.

Kitted out in his black tracksuit, Kerr – who was Ireland senior boss from 2003 to 2005 – has been on the training ground all week ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Belgium.

And while the

71-year-old (right) is not expected to be on the bench for either friendly, he will be in the dressing room before, during and after the Belgium and

Switzerland games.

And Collins – who won all of his 18 caps to date under Kenny – insists Kerr has been a positive influence on the camp this week. Asked if he had ever met Kerr before, the Brentford defender, 22, (left) said: “Me personally, no, but I think every other member of my family probably has!

“He’s really funny, a good lad. He was telling me stories about my granddad. Ah, he’s mad but he’s good, I’m really enjoying it.”

And Collins continued: “I’m like a sponge, I’m just soaking in everything he says as he’s full of information, full of experience and everything he says I’m just glued into.

“With someone like that, it’s just about gaining as much information as possible.”

Paddy Mccarthy is O’shea’ assistant manager while Glenn Whelan and Rene Gilmartin are the coaches.

And Collins added: “It’s a good week for us. We have a good staff here with us. Brian, but the other lads who have come in as well, it’s exciting for me.”