Keane laments Irish performance against Belarus

Republic of Ireland Assistant Manager Roy Keane has admitted he wanted to “kill some of his players” following last night’s disappointing defeat against Belarus.

A packed Turners Cross witnessed the Boys in Green slump to a damaging 2-1 defeat against the Belarusians, ranked 77^th in the Fifa world rankings, in their last warm up game before the squad travel to France for the European Championships.

Speaking to the press at the squad’s base in Fota Island, the Corkman couldn’t hide his frustration about last night’s poor performance.  

“I wanted to kill a few of them last night,” lamented Keane.

“They should be (relieved) after one or two of their performances last night, they should be counting their blessings that they managed to get on the flight.

“Never mind getting into the squad of 23, players had an opportunity last night to try and force their way into the starting 11 for the Sweden game, some did ok, some were very, very poor.”

For some of the starting eleven last night, it was a good opportunity to get a good run out following seasons where first team football was severely lacking but the former Manchester United captain refused to use that as an excuse.

“Sometimes we make excuses for players because they’ve not played much football but they still train, they still control the ball, they still have to run,” enthused the 44 year old.

“You can still physically get in decent shape, you can lack match sharpness and we will forgive a player for that but you have to get yourself in a good state, get fit, be as strong as you can, eat properly, prepare properly, be a decent lad around the place.

“Last night was a good occasion for the players, it was down in Cork City and it was sunny, forget that you’re playing international football, control the bloody ball, pass it and move it to your mates and if you lose it move back run back like you care.”

One of the players lacking in first team action this season was Aiden McGeady, who left Everton to seek more playing time at Sheffield Wednesday, only for his loan spell to be cut short due to a number of ineffective displays.

McGeady though has secured himself a seat on the plane to France but Keane was quick to remind him that his performance levels needs to improve.

“Aiden has had a taste for football, I know he’s not played the last few weeks but he did take that decision to leave Everton and get some action,” declared Keane.

“A lot of people sit around and think well it’s not the right move for me so you give Aiden a little bit of credit for that.

“But I think he will need to play better than he did last night to force his way into the starting 11.

“If you want my reaction to Aiden’s performance last night, I think he can do a lot better and maybe that’s the story of his career.”