5 Reasons Why The O'Neill/Keane Dream Ticket Has Its Risks For Ireland

5. Keane May Be Too Aggressive

The former Manchester United captain boasts a controversial career, both in domestic and international football. Keane left a huge print on the game as the on-pitch driving force behind United's dominance. He also left his prints on Alf-Inge Haaland's right knee with a tackle that the Norwegian believes ended his career. That challenge in 2001 left a black mark on the midfielder's reputation that he never really shook off. While Keane was always an integral part of the well-oiled Old Trafford machine, his eventual departure betrayed a tendency to fly off the handle with little thought for the consequences. In November 2005, in the aftermath of a 4-1 defeat at Middlesbrough, Keane gave a never-to-be-aired interview to MUTV, the club's official TV station, where he heavily criticised his team-mates. The details of the transcript led to a showdown with Sir Alex Ferguson - one that ended with the Irishman's exit by mutual consent. Such a turn of events would be as shocking today as it was then, as player and power and dissent never go down well at Old Trafford, although Wayne Rooney's recent behaviour is evidence that even those standards are starting to slip. However, we had already seen similar impulsiveness from Keane at international level.
Contributor
Contributor

I am from Bangor, aged 24, and possess an MA in Journalism from The University Of Ulster. I have had work published in the Belfast Telegraph and interviewed several local footballers and Olympic athletes. I also run my own sports blog, 'Sporting Thought' in addition to contributing to What Culture.