O’NEILL: ‘Keane incident is just a distraction. We’re ready to go’

IRELAND boss Martin O’Neill dismissed the furore over Roy Keane’s headlinegrabbing bust- up with a punter as ‘ o nl y a distraction’ — as skipper Robbie Keane appealed for calm heads on and off the pitch at celtic Park tonight.

the Republic’s controversial assistant manager was once again the centre of attention after allegations he had clashed with highprofile supporter Frank Gillespie, a figure well known to players since the Jack charlton era, at the team hotel on Wednesday night. the former Manchester United hard man joined the team last

night as they took a walk around Celtic Park, venue for tonight’s crucial Euro 2016 qualifier, having cancelled their final eve-of-match training session. ‘It’s only a distraction, that’s all it is,’ said former Celtic manager O’Neill, who earlier read a pre-prepared statement offering his ‘full support’ to the Aston Villa No 2. ‘Really, I’ve made a statement earlier on today. I don’t know if you’ve seen it. I’ve hardly seen it myself. ‘There’s not really much to talk about. But I think we’re fine. I think the players are fine. I think the man in question is fine, too. I think we’re ready to go. ‘He (Roy) is OK. He’s here with us now.’ Asked if his right-hand man had addressed the players, O’Neill replied: ‘Why would he do that? No. He spoke to me. That’s all that matters. ‘I don’t think that Robbie (Keane) as captain was particularly interested in what had happened. Listen, the incident is over and I think that’s it. ‘You mentioned it being a distraction and that’s really it.’ In a week that has seen FAI chief executive John Delaney warn of the potential for trouble because of Ireland fans buying up tickets for areas of the stadium set aside for home supporters — warnings which were instantly dismissed by Irish supporters’ groups — skipper Keane said he hoped for the best. The former Inter Milan and Tottenham striker, who spent six months on loan at Celtic, said: ‘I would imagine there will be a lot of Irish supporters around the stadium. ‘I just hope there is no trouble and everyone behaves themselves. The Irish fans, over the years, have been fantastic. I’m sure that will be no different tomorrow.’ Keane stressed the need for players to maintain discipline amid a frenzied atmosphere He said: ‘The atmosphere, the importance of the game, the rivalry — I’m sure players will get excited. ‘It’s up to the senior guys to make sure they don’t get overwhelmed.’