Man Utd legend Roy Keane reveals his ‘bizarre’ career highlight leaving emotional Martin O’Neill stunned
ROY KEANE revealed the “bizarre” highlight of his distinguished career.
The former Manchester United captain remains one of the Premier League’s greatest players and leaders.
He won seven league titles under Sir Alex Ferguson plus four FA Cups and the Champions League.
The 67-cap Irishman previously shone for Nottingham Forest then finished his playing days with Celtic before stepping into management.
He had stints with Sunderland and Ipswich but then decided to step back from being a manager to a No2 when he was Martin O’Neill’s assistant with the Republic of Ireland.
And he concluded his time working under O’Neill for the national team was the best time of his long and successful time in football.
Keane, 53, told O’Neill and the regulars on The Overlap’s Stick to Football podcast: “I go back throughout my career, my experience with Ireland, with Martin, and particularly going to Euros, [it was] probably the highlight of my career, which sounds bizarre.
“We always talk about playing – it’s all about playing, of course, love playing.
“But our time with Ireland was probably the highlight. I just loved everything about it, the dynamics, the energy, the group.
“Working with Martin and the other staff members, we had something going on there. There was a feel-good factor. The lads were decent. We did lack probably an out-and-out goalscorer.
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“We lacked a bit of quality. All those things. But we got to the Euros, we missed out on the [World Cup] play-off. One of the best times of my life.
“It was a nice change for me. Different role, different dynamics. I love the flow of international football. You’re there for a few weeks, it’s intense, and then you step back.
“I loved everything about it.”
During their five years together from 2013 to 2018, the duo led Ireland to qualification for Euro 2016 where Robbie Brady scored the winner against Italy to send them into the knockouts before losing 2-1 to France.
The Boys in Green were then within 90 minutes of reaching the 2018 World Cup but lost 5-1 in the play-off second leg at home to Denmark.
Keane added that he would not have dropped back into an assistant role for any manager – but respected O’Neill enough to join his staff and gain extra opportunities to coach on the training pitches.
The shock revelation clearly took the former Leicester, Celtic and Aston Villa gaffer by surprise.
O’Neill, 72, appeared emotional as he replied: “It’s extraordinary for you to say that, for the medals that you’ve won in the game, to think that that is the highlight.
“Honestly, that’s really genuinely lovely to hear.”
The pair left the Ireland job in November 2018 following relegation in the Nations League then briefly worked together at Nottingham Forest in the second half of the 2018-19 Championship season.
Although the pair continue to do punditry for ITV Sport, neither of them have returned to management since leaving the City Ground.
Roy Keane's angriest moments
What really ticks off Roy Keane?
The Irishman is known for his no-nonsense approach to football.
And some particular things really do get on Keane’s wick.
It all makes for great entertainment for fans, who love the Man United legend’s take on the beautiful game.
But is Keane being a bit too sensitive himself?
From smiling players to ABBA, nothing is sacred.
And we all know about his dislike for a prawn sarnie…