Roy Keane told ITV Sport that Everton defender Seamus Coleman is ‘the best player Ireland have got by far’.
Over the weekend, Everton’s popular 32-year-old endured an evening to forget, as his Republic of Ireland side suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Luxembourg in a World Cup qualifier.
That’s two defeats from two games for Ireland, in their quest to reach Qatar 2022, and in truth, that road has already probably come to an end.
Outspoken TV pundit Keane made his feelings pretty clear about Ireland’s shameful loss and how it’s a ‘big concern’ that a fullback in Coleman is their best player.
“It was difficult,” said Keane. “Tough night. I have to say Ireland must be rock-bottom now for the group of players.
“A real lack of quality. A lot of the players again for Ireland playing at Championship level.
“I think your big concern is when your best player, Seamus Coleman is a full-back then it’s not a good sign. Tough days ahead.
“I go back to it, the best player Ireland have got is by far Seamus Coleman and he is playing for a brilliant club at Everton. But Everton don’t play European football and they don’t really challenge for trophies.”
Everton fans will probably have to gloss over the fact that Keane has aimed yet another jibe at them not challenging trophies or being in Europe.
Of course, the former midfielder has had previous with the Merseyside club, most notably when he was assistant to Martin O’Neil.
But even Keane will appreciate the job Carlo Ancelotti has done since joining the club, and European football might well be back on the cards for Everton, so that’s one less thing for the TV pundit to moan about.
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