Right-hand man
O’NEILL HAS TOTAL CONFIDENCE IN ASSISTANT BOSS KEANE
MARTIN O’NEILL insisted last night he has “total confidence” in Roy Keane.
Mirror Sport last month revealed that Republic of Ireland assistant boss Keane had a major bust-up with Cardiff City’s Harry Arter and Jon Walters before the USA friendly in June.
Arter has now walked away from international football with O’neill admitting the Keane row was a factor in the midfielder’s decision.
But O’neill offered his right-hand man his full support yesterday. He said: “I’ve got total confidence in Roy. He wants the best for the Republic of Ireland – as I do. Roy has done
brilliantly for us.
“We’ve managed to get to the Euros, we managed to get into the play-offs, we were beaten and Roy has been a great part of that.”
O’neill dismissed as “totally and utterly untrue” speculation that Declan Rice was somehow caught up in the Keane and Arter row.
Rice last week made himself unavailable for international selection with Ireland amid fresh interest from England. And while O’neill claims the door is not closed on Arter returning to the fold, the likelihood of that happening any time soon looks remote.
He said: “In terms of his long-term career, I don’t think he wants to stop playing for us.”
But yesterday O’neill repeatedly pointed out that while Walters also clashed with Keane in the summer, he has reported for duty this week – unlike Arter.
“Jon Walters had a disagreement,” said the Derry man. “Jon Walters is coming in.
“I think you have to consider that.”