Keane: We won’t plan for Bale, just hit him . . . fairly!
ROY Keane has one piece of advice for the Republic of Ireland’s players when it comes to stopping Gareth Bale — hit him as quickly as you can.
The Ireland assistant has revealed they will not be wasting time devising a masterplan to combat the threat of the Wales star when the nations meet in a World Cup qualifier here on Friday night.
Keane says Bale is so good he would find a way around any tactics designed to keep him quiet. But the former Manchester United midfielder will instead be urging his players to unsettle Bale right from the off at a sell- out aviva Stadium.
‘The basic advice to any player if you’re up against a world- class opponent — somebody get to him, get to him as quick as you can, don’t let him get his head up like he does at Real Madrid,’ said Keane, who was in typically bullish mood at the squad’s abbotstown headquarters yesterday.
‘Don’t give him space in behind, because the boy can run. Tackle him. Hit him . . . fairly. Tackling is part of the bloody game.’
Keane, though, did not like the suggestion that he would have resorted to a similar approach in his playing days. after a long pause and hard stare, Keane returned: ‘He might have been more worried about me. I could play a little bit too, you know.’
There is, however, no doubting Keane’s admiration for the twotimes Champions League winner.
and that is why Martin O’neill’s side will not be taking special measures to deal with the Welsh talisman. ‘I can’t say we have any particular plan,’ said Keane.
‘Coaches have tried to come up with a plan before but top players figure it out and affect the game anyway — Bale has done that for a number of years on the big occasions — that’s why they’re world class.
‘We will respect all the Welsh players because they have that foundation for him to go and express himself, that’s why he has a big impact on all their results, be it with goals or assists, the stats will tell you that.
‘But your eyes don’t lie when you see good players. He’s a top, top player, a brilliant player.
‘He’s been doing it right there at the highest level in the last few years.
‘I’ve always liked him. even when I was manager of Sunderland he came up with Southampton and was the best player on the park. He equalised in injury time and was excellent from left back. He’s a talented boy who has fulfilled his potential and probably more.
‘Our lads should look forward to the challenge — you should want to play against and play with the best.’
Ireland, with three wins and one draw, are Group D leaders and have a four-point advantage over Wales, who would almost certainly be out of the running for top spot and automatic qualification for Russia 2018 if they were to lose on Friday.
But the hosts have several key men sidelined and newcastle’s Daryl Murphy is the latest to join a list of injured players which includes clubmate Ciaran Clark, Shane Duffy and Harry arter, as well as the suspended Robbie Brady.
Keane, though, does not want to hear any talk of excuses.
‘It’s a long list but what can you do? We’re not in control of it,’ he said, with James McCarthy and Wes Hoolahan also serious doubts.
‘I could waste time and energy talking about lads who are not here, but that’s disrespectful to the lads who are.
‘There will be no excuses. We’ll have a team out. It happens to other teams, clubs and international managers and we’ll get on with it.
‘But if anyone thinks our mindset is for a draw, then you’re sadly mistaken. We’re here to win.’