Keane keen for Boys in Green to regain focus ahead of important few months ahead

Republic of Ireland assistant manager Roy Keane has declared that they have gotten over the euphoria of Euro 2016 qualification, as the Boys in Green intend to knuckle down and make an impact at the tournament in France come June.

The game's in the next few days against Switzerland and Slovakia provide an opportunity for the Irish team to get some match practice together, ahead of what should be a huge summer ahead. This week is another chance for some to make an impression and secure their place on the plane to the Euros, as these games could provide some with their last chance to be considered in Martin O'Neill's selection plans.

"I think it has been a strange few months, while waiting for these games to come about.  We are getting closer to the competition. We now have to focus on preparing as well as we can.  Everyone has had some nice plaudits over the past few months, but it is now time to focus on having an impact on the tournament."

Keane was a member of the Ireland squad that qualified for World Cup 94 in the United States of America. On top of numerous successes during his time in midfield for Manchester United, the Corkman is fully aware of the need to be able to produce your best football at the right time. He feels that it is important that the Ireland players avoid reaching their best prior to the big kick off and that they can play to their potential starting with the Sweden encounter in Paris on June 13th.

"With all of the teams we will be coming up against over in France, we have to make sure we peak at the right time. If some of our lads are not pulling up trees at the moment, it doesn't concern me too much, because there is still a couple of months to go. But for us, it is about peaking at the right time," added the Irish assistant boss.

Speaking to the media at the National Sports Centre in Abbotstown in Dublin, Keane also confirmed that Harry Arter will miss out on the game's this week because of injury.

The Bournemouth midfielder has returned to his club to receive treatment on a damaged Achilles, but it is hoped that he will feature in the May international against The Netherlands.