Keane: We have to smarten up

17 November 2014 06:46

Roy Keane has told the Republic of Ireland they have to be "smarter" if they want to achieve their dream of qualification for Euro 2016.

Ireland suffered their first Group D defeat in Scotland on Friday evening after falling asleep as they prepared to defend a corner, allowing Shaun Maloney to score the only goal.

Manager Martin O'Neill is likely to make significant changes for Tuesday night's friendly against the United States at the Aviva Stadium, but whoever plays, he and his number two Keane will be looking for evidence that lessons have been learned.

The assistant manager said: "We would obviously have liked to have worked their goalkeeper a bit more, stating the obvious, got some more crosses, be more of a goal threat, retain the ball a bit better - a number of aspects, you would hope to improve on.

"Have a bit more pride when you are on it (the ball), more on the front foot, more options for the player on the ball, a bit more bravery, particularly in the attacking third.

"Smarter - we have got to be a smart team. The goal we conceded the other night certainly wasn't smart, players switching off, and you get punished. The higher level you go up, you get punished, so there are lots of aspects.

"But I would have been saying that even if we had drawn 0-0. Obviously the result will grab the headlines, but sometimes you can get a good result, but still look at the performance and say, 'Listen, it could have been a lot better'.

"That's what we need to improve on."

O'Neill is likely to use the depth of his squad with skipper Robbie Keane and midfielder Darron Gibson having been released, and there could be opportunities for uncapped duo Cyrus Christie and David McGoldrick.

However, whoever plays, Keane has urged them not to fear the pressures of international football.

He said: "Yes, there's pressure, of course, and you want them to perform, but enjoy the game. That's what we are here for.

"You have got to enjoy the pressures of it, and even in a sense enjoy the disappointments because it gives you a chance to bounce back, so we are looking forward to the game on Tuesday.

"It was good to even get back out on the grass yesterday. It was a long journey back from Scotland, massive disappointment, you always feel that you have let people down.

"But there's a game on Tuesday night and we will look forward to it. Some of the new lads on the scene, we hope they are here for a number of years and when they are playing for Ireland, go and enjoy it. There's nothing to be fearful of."

Source: PA