KEANO BLASTS SOFTIES
KEANE’S POT SHOT AT MODERN-DAY ‘SOFTIES’
ROY KEANE has told footballers who fear getting hurt to go and play chess instead.
Republic of Ireland striker Kevin Doyle retired last week after complaining about repeated bouts of concussion.
But while Keane has sympathy for him, the Republic of Ireland assistant coach insists today’s players have to accept the risks of the job.
He said: “If you’re worried about the physical side of any sport, you’re wary of it, then play chess.
“It’s part of the game, whether it be hurling, football, American Football, the rugby lads, it’s part of the game.
“When you cross that line, there is an element of risk involved.
“I don’t think it would make a difference to the players playing now. When you cross that line, there’s a chance that you might get a knock.”
Concussion injuries have become an increasing concern in several sports, and Keane reckons Doyle made the right decision to quit. He said: “It’s sad, but he’s made the right decision, no doubt. He’s had an excellent career and seems a real decent guy.
“It’s sad to see him retire. He’s 34, had a decent innings and hopefully he’s picked the right time to retire.
“As everyone else has been saying, your health is your wealth. If he’s had concussions over the years and he feels he is suffering from them, then obviously he feels that’s right for him.
“But it’s part of the game, players picking up injuries and getting knocks.
“He’s a centre-forward, he’s going to be running the channels with centre-halves. It’s what you would expect.
“I’m sure he’s knocked a few centre-halves over himself and he’s had a few knocks.” Keane also hit out at Everton for trying to wrap injury-hit midfielder James McCarthy in cotton wool with “too many scientists”.
McCarthy has yet to play for his club because of a knee injury but could return in Friday night’s World Cup qualifier with Moldova. He said: “James seems to be getting a lot of injuries at Everton. I think they’ve more scientists involved now than there needs to be.”