Keogh’s cameo to convince Trap
Credit:
Andy Keogh may have only played little over a half hour against Argentina but he went perhaps closer than the rest to grabbing an equaliser entering the final ten minutes.
Keith Treacy’s delicate cross into his path looked like a perfect opportunity for the Wolves man to capitalise and grab his second international goal in the green shirt.
Nevertheless, Argentina stopper Sergio Romero was quick off his line and he thwarted Keogh’s advances as the ball rolled wide of the post.
“It was disappointing not to score,” the 24 year-old said. “But the ‘keeper got his face in the way and I got his fist in the side of my face for my troubles too.
“I thought they bossed possession and they deserved their 1-0 win. It was a good occasion and they were a great team to play in the first game at the new stadium.
Keogh replaced a tired looking Cillian Sheridan on 57 minutes, after the Celtic man faded after a long week which included playing his part in Noel King’s U-21 squad which battered Estonia 5-0, and according to the attacker his main instruction from Marco Tardelli was to increase the workrate up front.
“I was told to just go on and try to be lively, create a few chances and get possession. It was hard work trying to break them down.”
He added: “Still, I thought that in the second half we did reasonably well.”
Obviously the absence of Giovanni Trapattoni would have upset the Irish side’s planning coming into the game and Keogh believes there was a sense of ‘doing it for the manager’ in the dressing room.
“He has stood by us the whole time and it’s unfortunate that he’s in hospital at the moment. We just wish him well and hope he has a speedy recovery.
“Even though he wasn’t there, everybody was tuned into what we were doing. We were up against a tough team, with gifted players. We stood up to them well but their possession proved the difference in the end.”
Meanwhile, Greg Cunningham, who came on at the same time as Keogh, would not be drawn into speculation regarding his future at Manchester City.
The 19 year-old would not comment on whether his immediate future lies at Eastlands or not.
A new rule within the Premier League means there is only a squad of 25 players over 21 allowed and at City, where they boast a massive squad, there will be stiff competition for places.
Still, Cunningham, if selected, will be exempt from that ruling and he hopes that Roberto Mancini will include him in his plans for the long season ahead.
“I got a good bit of game time in pre-season. Obviously the U-21 rule works well for me because there will be some big names left out.
“I’ll have a chat with him when I go back. I’ll have to see if I’m in his plans or not,” he said.
Keith Treacy’s delicate cross into his path looked like a perfect opportunity for the Wolves man to capitalise and grab his second international goal in the green shirt.
Nevertheless, Argentina stopper Sergio Romero was quick off his line and he thwarted Keogh’s advances as the ball rolled wide of the post.
“It was disappointing not to score,” the 24 year-old said. “But the ‘keeper got his face in the way and I got his fist in the side of my face for my troubles too.
“I thought they bossed possession and they deserved their 1-0 win. It was a good occasion and they were a great team to play in the first game at the new stadium.
Keogh replaced a tired looking Cillian Sheridan on 57 minutes, after the Celtic man faded after a long week which included playing his part in Noel King’s U-21 squad which battered Estonia 5-0, and according to the attacker his main instruction from Marco Tardelli was to increase the workrate up front.
“I was told to just go on and try to be lively, create a few chances and get possession. It was hard work trying to break them down.”
He added: “Still, I thought that in the second half we did reasonably well.”
Obviously the absence of Giovanni Trapattoni would have upset the Irish side’s planning coming into the game and Keogh believes there was a sense of ‘doing it for the manager’ in the dressing room.
“He has stood by us the whole time and it’s unfortunate that he’s in hospital at the moment. We just wish him well and hope he has a speedy recovery.
“Even though he wasn’t there, everybody was tuned into what we were doing. We were up against a tough team, with gifted players. We stood up to them well but their possession proved the difference in the end.”
Meanwhile, Greg Cunningham, who came on at the same time as Keogh, would not be drawn into speculation regarding his future at Manchester City.
The 19 year-old would not comment on whether his immediate future lies at Eastlands or not.
A new rule within the Premier League means there is only a squad of 25 players over 21 allowed and at City, where they boast a massive squad, there will be stiff competition for places.
Still, Cunningham, if selected, will be exempt from that ruling and he hopes that Roberto Mancini will include him in his plans for the long season ahead.
“I got a good bit of game time in pre-season. Obviously the U-21 rule works well for me because there will be some big names left out.
“I’ll have a chat with him when I go back. I’ll have to see if I’m in his plans or not,” he said.
About Alan Smith
Alan Smith works as a sub-editor for the Guardian newspaper in London. Originally from Cork, he freelances for several other newspapers and websites. Follow him on twitter @alansmith90. View Full Profile