I thought Robbie coming onboard was a fine idea.. it has proved to be

McCARTHY ON RELATIONSHIP WITH ‘No.3’ KEANE

ROBBIE KEANE’S odd contract situation was a “surprise” to Mick McCarthy who says the “conundrum needs sorted out”.

But the Ireland boss insists he has been pleased with Keane’s input over this qualifying campaign.

When he was appointed in November 2018, McCarthy said Keane approached him about coming on board. At his unveiling, he added of the former striker: “I thought, ‘You cheeky b ******* ’.”

Ex-FAI chief John Delaney wanted Keane on McCarthy’s team but leaked documents have since suggested that McCarthy may not have been ‘that bothered’.

But ahead of next month’s mammoth Euro play-off in Slovakia, McCarthy has stressed Keane’s importance behind the scenes.

“If somebody said to me, ‘You can have this job but you have to take somebody with you’, there’s about as much chance of me flying to the moon this afternoon,” he said.

“I wanted him. Having spoken to him at the K Club, he was nipping in my ear a couple of times, ‘Would you consider me?’.

“I thought it was a good idea at the time and it has proved to be a better idea. He has a really good relationship with the lads.

“He knows some of them but it’s as a coach, it’s not like Robbie’s [in the dressing room to make people feel good]. He’s part of the management team and has impressed me because he has an opinion. If we’re on the sideline looking at a substitution he’ll have an opinion whether I say, ‘Yeah, good idea’ or ‘That ain’t happening’.

“I like the fact that he contributes. The sessions are good and he has been a really good professional.”

McCarthy was appointed until the end of the European Championships this summer.

But Keane’s curious deal outlasts the current manager’s and incoming senior boss Stephen Kenny is expected to pick his own staff.

Kenny has always kicked for touch on the issue and this week he said: “Robbie’s statistics, his goals for Ireland, amazing player. From my point of view, we’re looking out for the senior team qualifying for the Euros. I’m not having discussions until after that.”

Terry Connor (above) is McCarthy’s long-time trusted lieutenant at club level and now as Ireland assistant.

So Middlesbrough coach Keane, 39, is effectively No.3 and he faces an uncertain future.

McCarthy said: “He’s with me at the moment. Stephen will have his own ideas, you’ll have to ask him. Robbie has a four-year contract.

“When I heard that it was a surprise to me, that’s just another one of those conundrums that needs to be sorted out.”

NOT SO ODD COUPLE McCarthy (left) believes he has worked well with Irish legend Keane