O’Neill makes big claim about Keane being next Ireland manager

Martin O’Neill backs his former assistant for the job

“He would have done a great job, absolutely,” O’Neill said. “He’s a busy man and he’s doing exceptionally well on TV, but I thought the Ireland job might suit him. He could get the team and the country fired up again.”

O’Neill added that he encouraged Keane to consider the role when it became vacant but admitted the former Manchester United captain wasn’t convinced. “It would be great if he could take it one day,” he said.

Keane’s interest and frustration

Keane previously admitted in early 2024 that the Ireland job appealed to him. However, he later described the recruitment process as a “farce.” Despite that, O’Neill remains confident his former right-hand man has the personality and passion to lead the team.

How O’Neill appointed Keane in 2013

O’Neill also shared the story of how Keane became his assistant back in 2013. Then-FAI chief John Delaney was initially shocked by the suggestion.

“I told him I wanted Roy as my assistant,” O’Neill recalled. “John fainted - he couldn’t believe it. But when he recovered, he agreed, and it worked brilliantly. We had a lovely time together.”

No return to management

O’Neill ruled out any comeback to the dugout, saying he is “too old” for modern football management. “It was a privilege to manage Ireland,” he said. “But looking at some of the managers out there now, I could probably do equally as badly!”