O’Neill backs Keane over bust-up

REPUBLIC of Ireland boss Martin O’Neill has been forced to defend assistant Roy Keane after claims by one of their own players that he called Harry Arter a ‘f***ing p **** ’ and squared up to Jonathan Walters during a series of explosive summer rows. In an astonishing WhatsApp voice message recorded by Stephen Ward and leaked on social media, the Burnley left-back alleges that Keane launched expletive-laden attacks on both players after they were advised to sit out training by medical staff. The bust-ups occurred in May and June when Ireland played friendly matches against France and the USA, although Ward was not in the squad. The manager does not deny that Keane argued with the players but he disputes Ward’s version. Cardiff midfielder Arter has since told O’Neill that he does not want to be considered for selection, while striker Walters played during last week’s 4-1 defeat in Wales but will be rested for tonight’s friendly in Poland. And during an animated 34-minute press conference at the Stadion Wroclaw last night, O’Neill passionately stood by his controversial No 2. ‘First of all, Stephen wasn’t there, he’s just picking up on things,’ said O’Neill. ‘I think there are differences over what was said (but there was) a confrontation with Jon and a confrontation with Harry. Jon is fine. Harry perhaps not so fine. ‘(Roy) was looking for exacting standards and that’s exactly what I want, whatever way they are mentioned to people.’