Thursday 3 September 2015

Gibraltat No Gimme - Keane


Roy Keane says Republic of Ireland have "seen enough of Gibraltar" to know Friday's European Qualifier is no walkover.

Europe's newest international side were beaten 7-0 in Dublin in October last year and have shipped 34 goals in six Group D games.

They did manage a goal in a 6-1 defeat to Scotland in March, though, and Ireland's assistant boss Keane said: "We are obviously away from home and we've seen enough of Gibraltar to understand that if we are not at the races...

"We've seen from the goal against Scotland and the chances they had against Germany - if we take our eye off the ball, we could slip up, so first and foremost, we have to win the game.

"For us as staff, we obviously want to see goals, but that's up to the players to go out and perform and get the right result, take some momentum into the home game.

"I cannot over-analyse it. It's a massive game for us and we are ready for it. Are we expected to win? Of course we are. That's good, you know.

"We've got experienced players. The biggest danger - you sometimes see it in English cup games - if you take your eye off the ball or underestimate somebody, then you are in trouble.

"I've seen it before and we have got to make sure that it does not happen. That's part of our jobs. We have experienced players in the squad, so I don't think there is any chance of that happening."

Ireland can ill afford a slip-up as they go into the games against Gibraltar and Georgia two points off a play-off place.

Scotland currently occupy that third place and are in Tibilisi on Friday before hosting World Cup winners Germany on Monday, so the latest round of games represents an opportunity for the Irish to bridge the gap.

Keane said: "We found it difficult to win in Georgia, so I am pretty sure it will be tough for Scotland. But we cannot worry about what is going on elsewhere.

"There's a massive four games coming up for lots of countries, but our mindset is on what we can do. Obviously we are hoping that other teams might slip up but, first and foremost, we have got to do our own jobs."

Paul McShane was the only Irish player to miss training on Wednesday after reporting minor discomfort in his hip and back.


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