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ROY KEANE revealed the “unusual” highlight of his remarkable career.
The former Manchester United skipper is still celebrated as one of the greatest players and leaders in Premier League history.
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He garnered seven league titles under Sir Alex Ferguson, alongside four FA Cups and a Champions League trophy.
The 67-cap Irish international first made a mark with Nottingham Forest before concluding his playing career at Celtic and transitioning into management.
Throughout his managerial tenure, he had stints with Sunderland and Ipswich Town but later became Martin O’Neill’s assistant coach with the Republic of Ireland.
Keane later expressed that his time alongside O’Neill within the national team was the apex of his extensive football journey.
Keane, aged 53, told O’Neill and the usual panel on The Overlap’s Stick to Football podcast: “Reflecting on my career, my experiences with Ireland as part of Martin’s team—particularly being at the Euros—were probably the highlight of my career, which might seem odd.
“We often stress the significance of playing—everybody loves to play.
“Nonetheless, my time with Ireland remains a remarkable highlight. I appreciated every element of it: the dynamics, the energy, the camaraderie.
“Collaborating with Martin and the staff fostered a very positive environment. The players were fantastic, though we certainly lacked a premier goalscorer.
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“We encountered some quality issues, yet we made it to the Euros. Regrettably, we fell short of qualifying for the [World Cup] play-off. Those were some of the most unforgettable moments of my life.
“It provided a fresh, exciting change. A different role with unique dynamics. I relish the rhythm of international football. You’re involved for a couple of weeks, it’s intense, and then you reset.
Roy Keane reflects on a long-held conflict with a former Man Utd teammate that concluded with a black eye
“Every aspect of it was pleasurable.”
During their five-year partnership from 2013 to 2018, they successfully led Ireland to Euro 2016, where Robbie Brady scored the decisive goal against Italy, sending them into the knockout phase, ultimately going out 2-1 to France.
The Irish team also came within 90 minutes of World Cup qualification in 2018 but suffered a 5-1 defeat to Denmark in the play-off second leg at home.
Keane indicated that he would not have accepted an assistant coaching role under just any manager—yet he had enough esteem for O’Neill to join his staff and gain further coaching insights on the training pitch.
The unexpected declaration left the former Leicester, Celtic, and Aston Villa manager noticeably moved.
O’Neill, aged 72, responded with heartfelt emotion: “To hear that from you is extraordinary, considering the accolades you’ve achieved; to think this could be the highlight truly means a lot.”
The pair departed their roles with the Ireland team in November 2018 after being relegated in the Nations League and briefly reunited at Nottingham Forest during the latter half of the 2018-19 Championship season.
While both continue to act as pundits for ITV Sport, neither has returned to management since leaving the City Ground.
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Roy Keane’s Most Intense Moments
What truly frustrates Roy Keane?
The Irishman is well-known for his candid perspective on football.
And certain matters undoubtedly trigger Keane’s reactions.
This makes for excellent entertainment for fans who value the Man United legend’s views on the game.
But could it be that Keane is perhaps a bit too sensitive himself?
From players grinning to ABBA, no topic is off-limits.
And we all know about his disdain for prawn sandwiches…
