DUO WILL DO MORE THAN FILL IN THE GAPS

MARTIN O’NEILL will move on from Roy Keane’s departure, of that there is no doubt. John O’Shea joked earlier in the week that the Ireland manager is always a step ahead at reading situations and suggested he prepared for this scenario when he brought Steve Walford and Steve Guppy into the set-up on a provisional part-time basis. It sees certain that arrangement will now become permanent and O’Neill will have two trusted lieutenants (along with goalkeeping coach Seamus McDonagh who has been involved from the beginning) at his disposal for the Euro 2016 qualifiers.

STEVE WALFORD

(Head Coach)

He is O’Neill’s closest confidante having been by his side since their days at Wycombe Wanderers in 1990. The 56-year-old has dutifully taken to his task over the last 10 days and has been the primary voice during small sided games and practice matches.

STEVE GUPPY

(Coach) A player under O’Neill at Wycombe, Leicester City and Celtic, the former England international began his coaching career at Sunderland when the Derryman was in charge. His role appears to be specialised on attack with particular emphasis on the link up play between strikers and wingers around the 18-yard box. There have been plenty of shooting and crossing drills and Guppy appears to have players onside with his varied approach.