Seb tells Keane to expect Prod of war

DEFENDER Sebastian Prodl has warned Roy Keane that Austria may have lost their first World Cup battle with the Republic of Ireland but the war is still to be won.

Keane’s challenge to Ireland’s players to “go to war” in tonight’s Group D qualifier in Dublin appears to have caused something of a stir in Austria.

Marcel Koller’s men are desperate to avenge November’s 1-0 defeat in Vienna.

But Watford’s Prodl (right) had the perfect response when asked about the Ireland coach’s comment.

He said: “We lost the first battle in Vienna but the war isn’t over yet.

“Keane’s remark was no surprise for us because we exactly expect Ireland to play like this.

“They have always done it like this and they always will do, so it was not a big surprise.

“Nothing changes for us. That’s how we see the game.”

Boss Koller was also unconcerned by Keane’s words and is confident his injury and suspension-hit squad can match the Republic at the Aviva Stadium.

Koller said: “I think what Roy Keane said was meant as motivation for the home team and, of course, they will try to play hard and physically.

“I don’t think you should use the word ‘war’ about football but I understand that Roy Keane wants to motivate his team.

“It is vitally important for Austria to know how to fight that.” Austria arrived in Dublin without suspended Marko Arnautovic and injured strikers Marc Janko and Marcel Sabitzer. Full-back Andreas Ulmer is also absent because he is getting married this week.

However, Prodl was swift to dismiss talk of unrest within the camp.

He said: “There’s always something to discuss if you are not winning games or not competing as you like. But this is not a problem at all.”