Roy Keane was critical of Matt Doherty, Seamus Coleman and Caoimhin Kelleher, as the Tottenham, Everton and Liverpool trio featured for the Republic of Ireland on Saturday.
Stephen Kenny’s side recorded a 2-2 draw against Belgium in an international friendly, with Keane stating that both Doherty and Coleman had to ‘do better’ when they tried to defend the opening goal from Michy Batshuayi.
Added with that, he felt that Liverpool’s back-up shot-stopper wasn’t quite set for Batshuayi cutting onto his right foot to fire home.
Albeit against a weaker Belgian side, the Irish did enough to salvage a late draw through substitute Alan Browne’s late header.
But this is what Keane made of the defending by the fullback duo from Spurs and Everton yesterday, whilst he seemingly gave Kelleher the benefit of the doubt because he isn’t a regular for Liverpool, as he told ITV Sport (26/03/22 at 11:30 pm).
“Ireland are playing some good stuff, they are playing open football,” said Keane. “So, when they give the ball away, they are in trouble.
“I would be critical of Seamus and Doherty here of getting back. You have got to do better. Look at the goalkeeper, it’s a fantastic strike.
“But Caoimhin, not quite set. This is from a goalkeeper, who isn’t playing on a regular basis. But a good prospect.
“Seamus has got to show him down the line. A fantastic strike. He hits it early.”
There will be no World Cup adventure for the Irish after they failed to qualify for Qatar 2022.
But they will have their eyes firmly set on reaching Euro 2024 in Germany, after missing out on the last European Championships.
Someone like Coleman, albeit given his struggles in Everton colours, will be crucial in his country reaching that road because of his experience.
Whilst Doherty and Kelleher will be hopeful of being at the top of their game because they are going to be consistent starters for their country.
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