Republic’s double act to stay for Euro 2020

MARTIN O’NEIll and Roy Keane have agreed to remain in charge of the Republic of Ireland even if they fail to qualify for Russia 2018.

Ireland face Moldova here tonight before meeting Wales in Cardiff on Monday to determine who progresses to the play-offs for next summer’s World Cup finals.

O’Neill revealed that his contract is set to be extended by two years and he is excited by the prospect of Euro 2020 matches being hosted in Ireland’s capital.

‘They (the FAI) said they would like to extend my contract with the Euros coming up and I’ve agreed to do so,’ said the 65-year-old. ‘With the Euros and the possibility of qualification and some games being in Dublin, there are exciting times ahead.’

O’Neill’s timing comes as a surprise, especially after the fierce criticism in the wake of last month’s 1-1 draw in Georgia and 1-0 home defeat by Serbia — results which saw Wales leapfrog Ireland into second spot in Group D.

Failure to regain that play- off berth will bring more scrutiny, but O’Neill was in bullish mood when asked to defend his record. ‘We have qualified for one competition (Euro 2016) and season tickets have gone from 4,000 to 16,000, so I think there is some evidence we are doing okay,’ he said.

Assistant boss Keane had spoken of returning to club management but O’Neill believes the former Manchester United captain is now happy to stay on.

‘Roy is his own man and at some stage he’ll manage again,’ said O’Neill. ‘The time with myself and Ireland has been good for him.

‘I was nearly going to say that he’s mellowed, but he’s certainly not done that. In fact, he might have got worse! But he’s been excellent for me and I actually think he’s enjoying it here, too.’

Some in Ireland have recently questioned Keane’s role, but O’Neill said: ‘Roy has been everything I expected of him and more. He’s an inspirational figure and a hero to a lot of players in the squad. I couldn’t ask more of him.’

Keane was in the news yesterday after golfer Rory McIlroy said he was refused an autograph as a child by the then Ireland captain but O’Neill said: ‘I think Roy will be fine. If Rory wants an autograph, he’ll probably get it.’

IRELAND (probable 4-2-3-1): Randolph; Christie, Clark, Duffy, Ward; Arter, Meyler; Hendrick, Hoolahan, McGeady; S Long.