KEANO: NOW WE WILL GO TO WAR

Republic of Ireland v Austria Tom, 5pm

ROY KEANE insists the Republic of Ireland are ‘going to war’ with Austria now that all the friendly fire has subsided. After the Irish second string were tonked 3-1 in New York by Mexico, the Boys in Green warmed up for Sunday’s World Cup qualifier with a morale-boosting win over Uruguay. But Keane wants to give Austria a good seeing to, declaring: “The foreplay is over, let’s get on with it and be ready.” He also called for players to be brave and to front up for the cause as Ireland chase automatic World Cup qualification. Captain Seamus Coleman (inset), who is still recovering from a horrific leg break, has joined the squad in a supporting role behind the scenes. Keane said: “People have died in the past for their country, all we’re asking is that

they put their bodies on the line to try and win a game. “We want players playing on the edge. They’ve done that before, players like Seamus Coleman (inset), he broke his leg. You have to be able to accept that. “People have done a lot more for their country than break their legs. You have to put your body on the line like Seamus did. “We’re going into battle on Sunday. We have to show that we’re ready. We’re going to war with them. Let’s see what happens.” Unsurprisingly, Keane insists Sunday’s good performance against Uruguay counts for nothing. He added: “We won’t be defined by what happens in friendly matches, we’ll be defined by what happens in these big games.”